What is the SHIP program?

SHIP is Washington's Safety and Health Investments Project program - a grant program designed to encourage new approaches to improving workplace safety and health. The program was authorized by the Washington Legislature and is funded by the state's workers' compensation fund.

Completing your application form

Q. Who can apply for a SHIP Award?
A. Awards may be granted to any agency, firm, organization, individual, or other legal entity such as, but not limited to:

• Trade and business associations.
• Employers (including, but not limited to private, public, non-profit, or self-insured employers if collaborating with medical aid fund employers).
• Employees.
• Labor unions.
• Employee organizations.
• Joint labor and management groups.
• Educational institutions in collaboration with state fund employers or employee representatives ("collaboration" means there is active project management participation in the project by the collaborating business or labor partners.) .
• Others deemed eligible by L&I.

Q. Where do I get an application for a SHIP grant?
A. You'll find applications and helpful instructions on our website at SafetyProjects.LNI.wa.gov .

Q. When are applications due?
A. Open application periods and application deadlines are published at SafetyProjects.LNI.wa.gov , along with other important information about applying for SHIP grants. To receive grant consideration, complete applications must be submitted by the posted deadline. Applications that are not complete by the deadline will not be considered.

Q. Will L&I help me with my application?
A. SHIP staff will answer questions about how to apply and the application process itself. We cannot prepare or help you prepare your application.

Q. Is there a limit on the funding amount I can request?
A. Some restrictions may apply; check the application packet on the SHIP web page for details . If there are funding limitations or special project priorities for a specific funding cycle they will be described there.

Q. What type of project will receive priority for a SHIP grant?
A. All projects must address workplace safety and health needs of employers and employees covered by the medical aid fund. Employer/employee sponsored projects aimed at accident prevention will receive priority, including proposals for:

• The development of technical innovation and engineering controls.
• Best practices, i.e., the most effective way of delivering a particular outcome.
• Development and delivery of new or innovative safety education and training.
• Other priorities that may from time to time be listed on the web at SafetyProjects.LNI.wa.gov .

Q. What types of activities are not eligible for SHIP funds?
A. You may not use SHIP funds for:

• Lobbying or political activities.
• Supporting, opposing, or developing legislative or regulatory initiatives.
• Any activity not designed to reduce workplace injuries, illnesses, or fatalities.
• Reimbursing employers for the normal costs of complying with safety and health rules.

How applications are reviewed and approved

Q. Who decides if my project will be approved and funded?
A. SHIP Program staff will review and evaluate your application for eligibility, completeness, and how well your proposal fits with the goals of the SHIP program. The SHIP Advisory Committee will review your application and forward its evaluation to the Assistant Director of the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), who makes the grant funding decisions.

Q. Who is on the SHIP Advisory Committee and how are they chosen?

A. The SHIP Advisory Committee is composed of eight representatives from business, labor, academia, and workplace safety and health.

Q. How will I know if my application is approved and funded?
A. We will notify you by letter.

Q. What happens to any products created through my project?
A. All products developed as a result of an approved SHIP award belong in the public domain and will be maintained by L&I as public property. L&I plans to make the products available for use by other industries, businesses, or labor organizations. (WAC 296-900-17505 (4)).

How you can appeal if your application is turned down

Q. What if I disagree with the rejection or denial of my application?
A. You may appeal in writing explaining the reasons you believe your application merits reconsideration.

Q. If my application is rejected or denied, can I resubmit it?
A. Yes, but you must update the application and specifically address the reasons the application was originally rejected or denied. You must also meet all other deadlines.

How will I receive funding and payment for my project?

Q. When can I start working on my project?

A. Your award notification and agreement will include information and requirements about project start-up, along with our payment schedule. In some cases, some grant projects' start-up may be delayed based on the capacity of SHIP program resources to administer and support your grant.

Q. How will I receive funding once my application is approved?
A. Funding payments are made through electronic funds transfer to a bank account you establish solely for grant project activity.

Q. Do I have to wait until after the work is done to get the money?
A. Award payments will vary from project-to-project, but typically they will occur periodically during the life of the project.

Q. How will L&I know when to disburse my grant money?
A. Key milestones defined in your grant award are used to create a schedule for periodic award payments. In order to receive these milestone payments, you will be required to submit, and have approved by the SHIP program, milestone reports according this schedule. Milestone reports describe the progress towards or completion of scheduled milestone activities during the reporting period. L&I may delay or suspend funding if key milestones or other grant requirements are not met.

Q. If my SHIP grant application is approved are there any other written requirements?

A. Yes. All applicants awarded grant funding must sign a SHIP Grant Award (see sample ). This document must also be countersigned by L&I before funding will be disbursed to grantees. The SHIP Grant Award outlines requirements specific to each grant, as well as general requirements applicable to all grant awards. Periodic progress reports addressing grant progress and budget will be required throughout the course of the grant. A final report summarizing the grant successes and lessons learned will also be required.

What if I am still not sure how to proceed?

Q. What if I have questions or run into problems?
A. If you need assistance, contact:

Safety and Health Investment Projects
PO Box 44612
Olympia WA 98504-4612
Phone: 360-902-5588
Fax: 360-902-4600
Email: INVEST@lni.wa.gov
website: SafetyProjects.LNI.wa.gov