Small businesses in Michigan with 250 employees or fewer can now apply for a Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) matching grant up to $5,000 to purchase equipment and associated training they need to create safer, healthier work environments for their employees.     

The MIOSHA Workplace Improvement to Safety and Health (MIWISH) grant program offers a dollar-for-dollar match, up to $5,000, for qualifying employers to purchase safety and health-related equipment.   

"Through the MIWISH program, we’re not just funding projects — we’re partnering with small businesses to protect Michigan workers," said MIOSHA Director Bart Pickelman. "These grants make it possible for employers to take immediate steps that prevent injuries, illnesses, and fatalities while reinforcing our motto to be a workplace safety and health resource and educate before we regulate." 

During the 2024-25 fiscal year, MIOSHA awarded $500,000 in matching grants to 136 employers. One of last year’s recipients, Schena Roofing & Sheet Metal Co. in Macomb County, received a $4,216 grant in 2024 to purchase a fall protection cart, a raptor rescue system and fall protection kits. The new equipment will help keep roofing crews safe by giving them better protection and rescue options if someone falls. 

Other projects funded last year included the purchase of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), trench boxes, respirators, ergonomic lift tables and gas monitors — equipment that helps employers address some of the most serious workplace hazards. 

“Falls remain one of the leading causes of death in construction, and this investment allows us to take an extra step in protecting our employees,” said Tony Catanzaro, vice president of Schena Roofing & Sheet Metal Co. “The grant helps us put life-saving equipment in place so our crews can focus on their work and return home safely.” 

The new grant cycle began Oct. 1, and grants will be awarded until funds are exhausted. MIOSHA encourages new applicants to take advantage of this program, with preference given to employers in high-hazard industries identified in MIOSHA’s Strategic Plan and to projects tied to State and National Emphasis Programs. These include industries and hazards such as amputations, cannabis, heat-related illness, trenching and excavation, among others. 

Eligibility requirements for employers: 

• Employ 250 employees or fewer company-wide 
• Operate under the jurisdiction of MIOSHA 
• Conduct a site-specific evaluation justifying the equipment purchase 
• Relate the project directly to improvements that will reduce the risk of injury or disease to employees 
• Demonstrate knowledge and experience to complete the project and be committed to its implementation 

Examples of eligible equipment: 

• Fire extinguishers, AEDs and other emergency response tools 
• Confined space monitoring and rescue systems 
• Arc flash protection gear and electrical safety tools 
• Ergonomic workstations and material handling systems 
• Noise monitoring and hearing protection devices 

Employers that received MIWISH grants in fiscal year 2025 may apply for additional funding after Jan. 1, 2026, if funds are still available. 

For more information about the MIWISH grant program and how to apply, visit michigan.gov/mioshagrants or contact MIOSHA’s grant administrator at (517) 647-3155.