Washington workers, employers and other groups can participate in the SHIP Grant Program to improve workplace safety, with grants of up to $150,000.  I have spoken with many people over the years with tales of scary workplaces or, in many instances, workplaces that are only slightly unsafe – these are just as likely, if not more likely, to result in an injury than one where obvious mistakes are being made.  The news release from the Department of Labor and Industries at the end of this post sets out the workshop schedule for learning more about it’s program for preventing injuries. Follow the link, below, for full details about this program and the assistance available to grant seekers of many stripes working towards a common goal.

 

The 2011 Legislature gave statutory authority to place the SHIP grant program as a permanent program within the Division of Occupational Safety and Health at the Department of Labor and Industries. Previously, the SHIP grant program had operated with budget provisos from 2007 – 2011. To date the program has funded 41 safety and health grant projects. The materials and products developed through completed grant projects are available through the SHIP Program and on the L&I/DOSH website. 

 

All proposals should be designed to develop and implement innovative and effective return-to-work programs for injured workers.

 

Grant limits and other criteria — the following criteria will apply to all SHIP grant applications:

• Eligibility requirements for SHIP grants are listed on the application form and in WAC 296-900-175.
• Grant requests for this round will not exceed $150,000.
• Funding for grants approved during this cycle may occur beginning late fall 2012.
• Successful applicants will be required to attend a grantee orientation to receive specific guidance and information about managing their SHIP grant experience.
• Project duration for projects approved for this cycle should not exceed 12 months.
• Products and materials developed or created through a SHIP grant must be available for distribution by SHIP to others who can benefit from them.

 

Learn how to apply for grant money from L&I at free workshop

Do you have an innovative idea for improving workplace safety and health or helping injured workers get back on the job? If so, the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) would like to hear from you and may help fund your project.

 

In other words, L&I will give you money for your great idea!

 

A series of free one-hour workshops starting Oct. 2 will explain the basics of L&I’s Safety and Health Investment Projects (SHIP) Grant Program. The current grant cycle for Return-to-Work applications is open until further notice.

Workshops are currently planned for:

• Olympia – 1 to 2 p.m. Oct. 2, 805 Plum St. SE, 2^nd Floor SHIP Conf. Room
• Kennewick – 1 to 2 p.m. Oct. 9, 4310 W. 24^th Ave., Room C24
• East Wenatchee – 11 a.m. to noon Oct. 10, 519 Grant Rd., Room C16
• Mount Vernon – 10 to 11 a.m., Oct. 23, 525 E. College Way, Ste. H, Room C20
• Tukwila – 1 to 2 p.m. Oct. 24, 12806 Gateway Dr. S, Room C20
• Tacoma – 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 30, 950 Broadway, Ste. 200, Room 503
• Vancouver – 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Nov. 2, 312 SE Stonemill Dr., Ste 120, Room C49

To register, please visit www.Workshops.Lni.wa.gov or call 800-574-2829.