Safety & Health Investment Projects (SHIP) Grant Program

The Safety and Health Investment Projects (SHIP) Grant Program is administered by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries within its Division of Occupational Safety and Health. This program is designed to support initiatives that improve workplace safety and health outcomes across Washington State. SHIP provides funding for projects that emphasize prevention of workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities, as well as initiatives that help injured workers return to work more effectively. The program has a history of impact, having funded more than 150 projects, and continues to prioritize collaborative and innovative approaches to occupational safety challenges. The primary purpose of the SHIP grant is to promote safer workplaces through cooperative efforts between employers, employees, and their representatives. The program specifically supports two major types of projects: general safety and health initiatives and return-to-work programs. Safety and health proposals must focus on preventing workplace incidents, while return-to-work proposals aim to reduce long-term disability by facilitating early and effective reintegration of injured workers into the workforce. All proposals must align with the overarching goal of improving occupational safety conditions in Washington State. Funding for this grant cycle is capped at a maximum request of 175000 per project for general safety and health proposals. Projects funded under this cycle are expected to have a duration not exceeding 18 months. Additionally, all deliverables created using SHIP funding must comply with accessibility standards, including adherence to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 A and AA requirements, ensuring that materials are accessible to individuals with disabilities. Projects that incorporate electronic delivery methods are preferred when appropriate for the intended audience. Eligibility requirements are governed by Washington Administrative Code 296-900-175 and detailed within the application materials. While the specific eligible entities are not exhaustively listed in the summary, the program emphasizes collaboration among employers, industry groups, and worker representatives. Proposals that address emerging occupational safety issues, support small businesses, or serve multicultural worker populations receive special consideration. Collaborative proposals involving multiple organizations and those targeting high-risk industries or common injury types are also prioritized. The application process requires submission of proposals using the designated SHIP application form for the current cycle. Applications must be submitted by June 30, 2026. Applicants may need to reference additional materials such as eligibility guidelines, instruction booklets, and frequently asked questions to complete their submissions accurately. Successful applicants are required to participate in a grantee orientation session, either in person or virtually, to receive guidance on managing their grant responsibilities. Evaluation criteria emphasize the potential impact of the proposed project on workplace safety, the level of innovation, collaboration, and the ability to address key occupational hazards. Specific focus areas include preventing musculoskeletal disorders, falls, workplace violence, and overexertion injuries, particularly within industries such as construction, healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing. Projects that demonstrate scalability and the ability to benefit a broad workforce are likely to be more competitive. The timeline for this funding opportunity includes an application deadline of June 30, 2026, with funding decisions expected to begin in September 2026. Project start dates will depend on program staffing capacity. Applicants can contact the SHIP Grant Program via email at Invest@Lni.wa.gov or by phone at 360-902-5588 for additional information or support during the application process. The program is recurring and periodically opens new funding rounds, indicating ongoing opportunities for applicants in future cycles.

Focus on high impact workplace safety issues demonstrate collaboration and align with priority industries or injury types