Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration has awarded $900,000 in grants to 18 nonprofits, universities, labor unions, and industry associations to expand safety training for small and medium-sized employers through its Consultation Education and Training Grant Program. “Small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of Michigan’s economy, and these grants give them access to training that can make a real difference on the job,” said Sean Egan, LEO deputy director of labor, according to the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
The grants support programs across industries like construction, manufacturing, healthcare, and public service, with a focus on issues such as silica hazards, ergonomics, tree trimming, mental health, and neurodiversity-conscious training. “Michigan’s workforce is changing, and employers are seeking safety training that supports every type of learner,” Todd Culver, Incompass Michigan president and CEO, said, emphasizing efforts to make workplace safety inclusive for neurodivergent workers, as reported by the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
Grant recipients such as AFL-CIO of Michigan and Alpena Community College will provide training in manufacturing safety and fire service education. The University of Michigan Center for Ergonomics will offer custom ergonomic training for small and mid-sized employers, and the Great Lakes Safety Training Center will provide Arc Flash Awareness training on electrical hazards. Since 2013, MIOSHA’s grant program has provided nearly $12 million for safety training across Michigan. More information is available at Michigan.gov/mioshagrants, as stated by the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
