By Safety Culture Pro

In the world of construction, safety isn't just a priority; it's a necessity. The construction industry poses inherent risks, but with the right resources and commitment, we can mitigate these risks and ensure the well-being of our workers. One invaluable resource for construction companies striving for safety excellence is construction safety grants.

In this blog post, we'll explore how you can find and leverage these grants, with a spotlight on the MIWISH $5,000 matching grant. To make it even more compelling, we'll walk you through a real-life case study that showcases the transformative impact of such grants.

Unearthing the Treasure: Finding Construction Safety Grants

Before you can reap the benefits of construction safety grants, you need to find them. Here's how:

1. Government Agencies

Start by exploring government agencies at the federal, state, and local levels. Many governments offer grants to promote workplace safety. In the case of Michigan, the MIWISH program is a shining example.

In addition, because I signed up for grant notifications, below is an email I recieved about an upcoming free training on workplace violence. Click Here to Sign up  

2. Industry Associations

Joining industry associations can be a game-changer. These organizations often have information about grants and can guide you through the application process. Examples include the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

Other free safety grant options can be found in local safety organizations such as the Latino Worker Safety Center (LWSC) in Illinois. They offer free Fall Protection training in English and in Spanish.

3. Universities and Colleges

Use your local or State University or Colleges for free safety training options. They are often awarded grants for safety training. One example is Lawrence Technological University who provided free 2-hour free work zone training for any organization in the State of Michigan. Take a look at this data base to see all of the free safety training options provided from Michigan Colleges.

4. Online Grant Databases

Websites like Grants.gov, and GrantWatch are treasure troves of information on grants, including those for construction safety.

A Case Study: Transforming Safety with the MIWISH $5,000 Matching Grant

Now, let's dive deep into the story of one of our construction clients who benefited from a $5,000 grant. We will call them “VTBT Construction”. They are a small-to-medium-sized construction firm in Michigan. Wanting to enhance their safety measures with ladders, we directed them to the MIWISH $5,000 matching grant.

Challenge:

VTBT Construction had a commendable safety record but recognized the need for improvement, especially with their step ladders. They wanted to invest in better step ladders and ladder safety training and also wanted to save money at the same time. Sound familiar? How would they do this?

The MIWISH Grant Opportunity:

The MIWISH (Michigan Workplace Safety and Health) program offers a $5,000 matching grant to eligible companies looking to improve workplace safety. VTBT Construction saw this as big step forward to quickly achieve their safety goal. Replace all old step ladders with new lean safe step ladders.

Application Process:

VTBT Construction collaborated with their safety consultant (yours truly), to navigate the grant application process. They gathered all necessary documentation, outlined their safety improvement plan, and submitted their application. Grant approved! $5,000 grant check written. Thank you Michigan.

Implementation:

With the grant approved, VTBT Construction wasted no time. They invested in lean safe ladders, provided safety training for their employees, and revamped their safety protocols.

Results:

I would love to tell you that their incident rate immediatly decreased by 40%, and their safety culture saw a significant boost. That would be a red flag for a lie. But, like any company who upgrades their safety equipment and training, they did witness slow but steady changes within their safety culture over a period of time. Was it related to this grant? Not entirely, as they have done a lot for safety within their company. But, we are confident that using grants for this purpose contributes to their overall objective of being a safer and more competitive company in the industry. They are putting their money (and the States) where their mouth is.

Your Roadmap to Success:

To follow in VTBT Construction footsteps and maximize the benefits of construction safety grants, consider these tips:

1. Research and Apply Early:

Stay vigilant for grant opportunities, and apply as soon as they become available. Grants often have limited funding and tight deadlines.

2. Collaborate:

Partner with industry associations or experts who can guide you through the process and improve your chances of success.

3. Maximize Your Investment:

Use the grant wisely. Invest in top-quality safety equipment, comprehensive training, and a robust safety culture.

Conclusion

Construction safety grants can be your company's ticket to a safer and more prosperous future. With determination, diligence, and the right resources, you can enhance your safety measures and reap the rewards, just like VTBT Construction did with the MIWISH $5,000 matching grant. So, start your journey today, and build a safer tomorrow for your workers and your business.

Remember, safety isn't just a choice; it's an investment in a better future.

If you are interested in a simple and effective way to upgrade your safety culture, reach out to me for a 30-day free trial of our video toolbox talks service.

As always, thank you for all you do for safety and I’ll see you out there!

Seth (Aka Safety Culture Pro)