MIOSHA Awards First of $500,000 in Matching Grants to Reduce Workplace Hazards

Lansing, MI (WorkersCompensation.com) - The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) announced today the first five small Michigan businesses to receive a matching grant to improve workplace safety and health.

The MIOSHA Safety and Health Improvement Program (MiSHIP) was first announced in early October, offering qualifying employers matching grants of up to $5,000 to purchase safety and health-related equipment. 

The grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

“We are proud to help Michigan's small businesses advance their safety and health management systems,” said MIOSHA Director Martha Yoder. “And best of all, because MIOSHA is matching the grants, a total of $1 million is being invested in the state's workplace safety and health.” 

The first five MiSHIP recipients include:

Bouma Corporation: Awarded $5,000 to be used to purchase additional fall protection harnesses, lanyards and lifelines. Over the past two years, Bouma Corporation has implemented a policy that every employee requiring a harness on a jobsite will have one specifically fitted to them by a qualified person. The grantee's safety survey found older equipment on some of the jobsites in need of replacement, in addition to the need for more.

“We are excited to have this partnership with MIOSHA and receive this grant," said Dennis Moomey, Bouma safety director. "The construction industry continues to see a steady increase in workload and this allows us to provide new hires with the safety equipment necessary on the job sites.” 

Lenawee Medical Care Facility: Awarded $4,794 to purchase four additional Vanderlifts to help prevent employee injuries during patient handling and transfers. 

“As patients age and become more debilitated it is essential to have the necessary equipment available to adequately meet their needs,” said Julie Porterfield, facility administrator. “These lifts will aid in the safe handling and transferring of patients during personal care and will also assist in preventing employee injuries”. 

Davis Construction: Awarded $5,000 for the purchase of a new horizontal lifeline system that has been designed for use during precast operations, as well as the update of an existing lifeline system. This cost will also include training on the use of these systems.

“The collaboration between Davis Construction and MIOSHA expresses the commitment to the health and safety of our most valued assets, the everyday worker,” said Brian Grammer, Davis safety director.

Stanley Engineered Fastening: Awarded $5,000 to purchase and install new safety guarding systems for operator protection on production machines. A recent hazard survey identified the need for more effective guarding than what was currently being used. The new guarding will provide enhanced protection for the operators.

“We are committed to investing in the safety of our employees,” said Stanley Compliance Coordinator Tim Hill. “This grant will be used to enhance our machine guarding program and ensure that our employees are able to return home to their families in the same condition that they arrived to work”.

Schnepp Senior Care & Rehab Center: Awarded $5,000 to purchase one full lift and three sit-to-stand lifts for the facility to ensure each unit has its own lifts to adequately protect residents and staff during patient handling.

“We are very excited to be able to purchase new lifts for each nursing unit, thanks to the MIOSHA grant,” said Jennifer Post, Schnepp assistant administrator. “Not only will this benefit the residents and patients at Schnepp Senior Care & Rehab, but it will help prevent employee injuries during transfers.”

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