Michigan's cannabis industry and other small businesses with 250 employees or fewer have a golden opportunity. They can now tap into the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) grant, which offers up to $5,000 in matching funds. This grant aims to bolster equipment and training, ensuring the safety and health of employees in the cannabis sector and other industries.
Director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, Susan Corbin, remarked, "MIOSHA's grant initiatives play an essential role in ensuring safe and healthy workplaces in Michigan. By investing in workplace safety, especially in burgeoning industries like cannabis, we're building a robust and prosperous economy for every Michigander."
The MIOSHA Workplace Improvement to Safety and Health (MIWISH) grant program promises to match every dollar, up to $5,000, which qualifying employers spend on safety and health-enhancing equipment. This aids in fostering safer and healthier work environments, especially in the cannabis sector.
Last year, MIOSHA distributed $250,000 in MIWISH grant funds to 63 Michigan employers, including those in the cannabis industry. A notable recipient was the Howell Area Fire Department, which utilized the grant to buy safety vests, traffic cones, and eye wash stations across its stations.
Brian Anderson, Howell Area Fire Department's Deputy Chief of Operations, shared their experience, "Opting into this grant made sense as it directly benefits our firefighters' health and safety. I urge all, especially those in the cannabis sector, to explore MIOSHA's grant offerings."
It's crucial for Michigan's cannabis business owners to note that while all eligible employers can apply, preference is geared towards those in high-hazard industries, such as cannabis. Applications will be assessed based on the specific risks they address.
MIOSHA Director Bart Pickelman said, "We're here to aid employers, especially in the cannabis industry, in minimizing workplace injuries and illnesses. Through this grant, more businesses can access vital equipment and training, ensuring their employees' safety and health."
To be eligible for the MIWISH grant, businesses, including cannabis enterprises, should:
As the cannabis industry in Michigan continues to thrive, ensuring the safety and well-being of its employees is paramount. Michigan Green Industry Association Executive Director, Michelle Atkinson, emphasized, "These programs empower small businesses, especially in the cannabis sector, to enhance their safety culture. It's a win-win, with employers ensuring safety without straining their finances."
The grant application period commenced on October 1st, 2023, and will run until the funds are depleted. MIOSHA welcomes new applicants, including those from the cannabis industry.
Businesses that received grants in Fiscal Year 2023 can reapply after January 1st, 2024, provided funds remain.
For a deeper understanding of the MIWISH grant program and application process, prospective cannabis businesses and others can visit michigan.gov/mioshagrants or call MIOSHA's grant administrator at 269-275-7155.
For additional information about MIOSHA and its initiatives to support the cannabis industry and other sectors, please head over to michigan.gov/miosha.
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