Question: I heard about a Grant program offered by the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. How do I
apply and what is covered by the Grant?

Answer: The Bureau of Workers’ Compensation offers several Grant programs. You may find a list of all
grant programs at our BWC website grant link.
I want to focus on the Safety Intervention Grant (SIG). This is a grant offering funds to purchase
equipment that helps reduce or eliminate injuries. We offer up to $40k with 3 to 1 match. For every $1
spent by an employer, the BWC matches $3. Eligible Employers must have a BWC policy for one
complete year. You may apply for Fast Track items shown below or other equipment. Before applying
for other equipment please ask one of our consultants to review your workplace or discuss eligible
equipment. A list of unapproved equipment is on the SIG webpage under Resources. We advise
working with a consultant before completing the application. When you are ready watch the YouTube
Videos on How to use the Grant Management Portal and First Time Users in the Portal. The Grant
Management Portal is where you enter the actual application.

FAST TRACK ITEMS: Bathing systems | Cable pulling equipment | Chest compression systems | Conduit
bending equipment | Cot loading equipment | Electric beds | Extrication equipment | Floor cleaning
equipment |Flooring or floor treatments | Hose reel equipment | Lift gates | Lift tables | Mulch
dispensing equipment | Patient lifting devices | Patient stair chairs | Portable traffic signals |Powered
pallet jacks | Saws with presence sensing technology | Scissor lifts, vertical mast lifts | Shrink wrap
equipment | Snow removal equipment | Truck tarping systems | Vacuum lifts

*Brought to you by the Ohio BWC safety consultants.

Question: We have several electrical panels in our facility. What are the OSHA basic requirements for safety
when working near the panel?

Answer: OSHA requires sufficient access and working spaces around all electrical equipment, or panels, serving
600 volts or less according to 1910.303(g). For equipment operating at 600 volts, nominal or less to
ground, the width of working space in front of the electric equipment shall be the width of the
equipment or 2.5 feet, whichever is greater. In all cases, the working space shall permit at least a 90-
degree opening of equipment doors or hinged panels. This assures that in case of an electrical
emergency, there is a clear working space in front of the panel for quick access to the circuit breakers.
Electrical panels should also have secure covers and no openings to ensure no wires are exposed that
could cause electrical shock. This also prevents the internal mechanisms from being exposed to dust,
dirt, and moisture. Electrical panel boxes in commercial buildings should be secured and accessible by
trained personnel only.

*Brought to you by the Ohio BWC safety consultants.

Q: Can I shrink the size of my OSHA poster?

A: No, you cannot reduce the size of the OSHA poster. OSHA states, in 1903.2, that
reproductions or facsimiles of Federal posters are to be at least 8½ inches by 14 inches,
and the printing size is at least 10 pt. The caption or heading on the poster shall be in
large type, generally not less than 36 pt. This poster must be posted in each
establishment, in a conspicuous place where notices to employees are customarily
posted. This poster is not to be altered, defaced, or covered by other material.

In the event, your authority having jurisdiction is Public Employment Risk Reduction
Program, PERRP, the same size requirement applies to the State PERRP Poster.

Both posters are available for free by download. See
www.bwc.ohio.gov/downloads/blankpdf/PERRPPoster.pdf  or
www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/osha3165.pdf