Application for grants under the program now open
The Workers’ Compensation Board (CWB) of Manitoba has opened applications for grants under the Research and Workplace Innovation Program (RWIP), which promotes and funds employers’ occupational health and safety projects.
Normally, accepting applications early in the year, WCB delayed the application period for the annual RWIP to start on Aug. 31, 2020, and close at 4 p.m. on Oct. 30.
WCB also cut the grant funding from $1 million to $600,000 following an external review, held every five years.
“Working with its partners, the WCB promotes safe and healthy workplaces, facilitates recovery and return to work, provides compassionate and supportive compensation services for workers and employers, and ensures responsible financial stewardship,” said WCB Manitoba. “As part of this commitment, the WCB has created the Research and Workplace Innovation Program (RWIP) to promote and fund projects related to prevention of occupational injuries, diseases and return to work of injured or ill workers.”
Interested parties can apply under the Training and Education and Workplace innovation streams. Generally, each project would be up to two years in duration and funded to a maximum of $100,000 each year.
WCB also eliminated the Scientific Research stream following the review. The external review is held every five years.
The application form, application guide and the criteria for evaluating the 2020 RWIP applications are all available here.
In 2019, WCB Manitoba distributed $74 million worth of surplus funds to employers thanks to better than expected results in injury prevention, return to work and financial investments.
