School Safety and Security Grant Program

The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) administers the School Safety and Security Grant (SSSG) Program to enhance safety measures in educational settings across the state. As of July 1, 2025, eligible Ohio employers may begin submitting applications under this grant. Approvals for submitted applications will resume following the passage of the fiscal year 2026–2027 state operating budget. It is important to note that applicants must submit new applications, as prior submissions will not be carried over into the new cycle. Additionally, updated requirements mandate that applicants provide either three vendor quotes or one quote with a sole-source justification. The primary purpose of the SSSG Program is to support Ohio employers in securing the safety of staff working directly with children from preschool through 12th grade. The grant aims to fund equipment purchases that significantly improve safety and security in educational facilities. This includes the prevention of injuries and illnesses related to the provision of educational services to children. The program focuses on interventions that enhance workplace safety, emergency response capabilities, and building security. Only employers that are licensed to operate preschool through 12th grade educational organizations in Ohio are eligible. Eligible applicants must also meet several additional requirements: they must be private or public employer taxing districts within the state fund, have active workers’ compensation coverage with no more than 40 days lapsed in the past year, be current with BWC payments as defined in Ohio Administrative Code 4123-17-14, and have existed for at least one year with completed payroll or true-up reporting for a full policy year. All guidelines and procedural requirements of the Safety Intervention Grant (SIG) Program apply to the SSSG applicants and participants. Applicants can receive up to $40,000 per three-year eligibility cycle. Funds may be used to purchase specific approved equipment items across three primary categories: employee safety interventions, incident response equipment, and building/grounds/transportation security. Approved items include anti-slip flooring, lightweight lunch tables, cutting/slicing equipment, trauma-first-aid kits, two-way communication systems, panic buttons, security doors, crash barriers, keycard access systems, metal detectors, emergency call poles, and HVAC improvements. Applicants must identify approved items and submit cost quotes as part of their application packet. After submission, applications are fast-tracked and reviewed by a two-member committee, which makes approval or denial recommendations to the superintendent of the Division of Safety & Hygiene. Applicants are typically notified of the decision within one week. If approved, the grant coordinator processes a requisition for payment through the Ohio Administrative Knowledge System (OAKS), and applicants may receive funds within two to eight weeks. BWC reserves the right to conduct site visits before or after approval and may randomly sample environmental elements during these visits. Grant recipients must implement the intervention and complete the purchase within 90 days of receiving the grant check. Full documentation must be submitted within 120 days, including the grant application budget page, itemized invoices, proof of matching contributions, and copies of cleared payments. One year after implementation, recipients must submit a one-year case study report within 30 days of the anniversary. Failure to submit required documentation or return unused funds may result in sanctions or reimbursement demands.