Workplace Safety Grant Applications

The following entities that operate in Utah may apply for the Workplace Safety Initiatives Grant:

• Businesses
• Community-based organizations
• Non-profit organizations
• Local associations
• Educational institutions
• Government entities

Those granted funding must implement the supported initiative in Utah. Also, startup ventures are not eligible for funding through this grant.

Member-based organizations that operate in Utah may apply for the Workplace Safety Recognition Grant:

• Community-based organizations
• Non-profit organizations
• Industry associations
• Labor unions

Workplace safety initiatives that qualify for grant funding include but are not limited to:

• Safety workshops, seminars and presentations focusing on workplace safety.
• Trade programs that integrate skill/training with an emphasis on workplace safety.
• Training sessions related to workplace safety.
• Materials, publications, or videos.
• Cross-training between organizations.
• Substance abuse programs related to workplace safety.
• Implementation or augmentation of workplace safety programs.
• Workplace violence prevention or awareness training.
• Innovative safety programs through the use of technology.

The Workplace Safety Grant application window opens September 1, 2024 and ends September 30, 2024 at 5:00 PM MDT. All applications should be submitted via the Workplace Safety Grant Application during the application window.  For additional information or assistance in completing the application, please contact Eric Olsen at eolsen@utah.gov.

A review panel evaluates each grant application with a scoring sheet.

Additionally, criteria used to evaluate grant applications includes but is not limited to:

• Complete and timely submission of the Workplace Safety Grant application.
• Programs which address workplace safety and health in high-hazard industries or industries with high rates of workplace accidents or injuries.
• Entities which demonstrate a financial need (small and medium sized entities) to fund a program related to workplace safety.
• Programs that are technologically innovative, can be emulated and will set a precedent for efficient and effective workplace safety.
• Programs which address temporary workers or staffing service companies and their commitment, training and resources related to workplace safety.
• Preference may be given to applicants whose projects are supported, at least in part, by sources other than Workplace Safety Grant funds.

Applicants selected to receive grant funding (for both safety initiatives and award recognition) will be required to submit quarterly reports.

The quarterly reports should include itemized receipts for reimbursement. We will also ask for other artifacts to evidence your use of the funding. These may include photos of trainings, registration or attendance statistics, etc. Those hosting safety recognition events must include a list of award recipients in their quarterly report.

The following costs will not qualify for grant funding:

• Electronic equipment (Computers, TVs, recording equipment, phones, automated external defibrillators, etc.).
• Fees for rental of facilities owned or leased by grantee as part of its regular operations even in instances when the facilities are being used for the purpose of implementing safety projects.
• Social dinners and events NOT related to safety conferences or awards.
• Travel out of state.
• Facilities maintenance and/or utility bills (heating and electrical bills, etc.)
• Trade-in services provided by consultants or contractors. These include services for which a company has not incurred an expense such as in the case of services and commodities that have been provided under a trade-in agreement or in-kind services.
• Capital improvement projects.
• Cost related to normal business operations.
• New Positions. WPS monies cannot be used to fund new positions regardless of whether or not they are related to a specific safety project being proposed for funding.
• In-kind services provided by consultants or contractors. These include services for which the applicant has not received an invoice, or has not incurred an expense such as in the case of services and commodities that have been categorized under a trade-in agreement. For the purpose of the grant, these expenses can be counted as grantee’s matching funds.
• Funding of any safety program related to becoming or remaining in a VPP or SHARP designation/program or VPP or SHARP awards ceremony.
• Using funding to become compliant with occupational safety and health laws.
• Software development.