Up to $300,000 to support projects that prevent or minimise risks in Victoria’s manufacturing sector by improving safety systems, risk management, and worker wellbeing outcomes.
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What is the WorkSafe Grants Program (WSGP)?
The WorkSafe Grants 2025–26 – Manufacturing Round supports initiatives that prevent and reduce workplace harm across Victoria’s manufacturing industry. The program seeks to fund projects that deliver measurable safety improvements by addressing the most significant risks and hazards in manufacturing settings.
It focuses on evidence-based interventions that strengthen safety culture, promote systems-level change, and create lasting benefits for Victorian workers and employers.
Example projects supported may include initiatives such as developing safer machine guarding systems, piloting new automation or engineering controls to reduce manual handling risks, designing sector-specific training programs on hazardous substance management, creating innovative data tools for injury prevention, establishing industry-wide safety networks, or conducting applied research that identifies and tests effective risk control measures within manufacturing operations.
WorkSafe Grants Program level of support
- Minimum funding: No specified minimum.
- Maximum funding: $300,000 per project.
- Projects may span up to three years, with annual reporting and milestone requirements.
- Co-contribution: The guidelines do not require a co-contribution. Applicants may, however, strengthen their proposal by demonstrating additional resourcing or partnerships.
- Final funding amounts are determined at WorkSafe’s discretion, based on project value, justification, and scope.
WorkSafe Grants Program important dates
- Applications close 2pm Wednesday 3 December 2025
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
WorkSafe Grants Program objectives
The key objectives of this funding round are to:
- Prevent or minimise workplace risks associated with manufacturing sector hazards.
- Promote sustainable and innovative safety solutions that can be replicated or scaled across industry.
- Encourage collaboration between stakeholders, including employers, workers, researchers, and industry bodies.
- Improve industry capability and culture in risk management, safety leadership, and hazard control.
- Generate insights and data that inform future safety programs and policy development.
Projects eligible for WorkSafe Grants Program support
Projects must clearly address hazards or risks specific to Victoria’s manufacturing industry and fit into one or more of the following activity streams:
- Prevention initiatives that introduce or trial improved safety systems, controls, or practices.
- Education and training programs that build capability and awareness around hazard management.
- Research and insights projects that collect, analyse, and translate data into practical safety outcomes.
- Networking and influence activities that strengthen safety leadership, knowledge sharing, and culture change.
Ineligible Expenditures
The following will not be funded:
- Capital works, equipment-only purchases, or standard business-as-usual activities.
- Commercial or profit-driven projects.
- Projects outside Victoria or unrelated to manufacturing.
- Fundraising, sponsorships, or retrospective costs.
- Initiatives already funded through other WorkSafe programs (e.g. psychosocial harm or return-to-work initiatives).
Other WorkSafe Grants Program important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for WorkSafe Grants Program support
Eligible organisations include:
- Victorian-based employers, industry associations, unions, educational institutions, community and not-for-profit organisations, and other entities with an ABN and registered for GST.
- Applicants must demonstrate:
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- Proven capacity to deliver and evaluate the initiative.
- Strong governance, financial, and risk management frameworks.
- Commitment to WorkSafe’s funding principles: evidence-based approaches, partnership collaboration, and sustainability beyond funding.
- Sufficient insurance cover including Public Liability and Professional Indemnity.
Partnership projects are encouraged, provided the lead organisation takes contractual responsibility and submits letters of support from all partners.
WorkSafe Grants Program assessment criteria
Applications are assessed according to the following weighted criteria:
1. Quality of Initiative – 35%
Assesses how well the problem is defined, the soundness of the proposed approach, and the strength of expected outcomes. Projects should demonstrate:
- Clear understanding of the issue and target audience.
- Alignment of objectives, activities, and deliverables.
- Feasible methodology with a solid evidence base.
- Comprehensive evaluation and risk management plan.
- Strong partnerships that add value and credibility.
2. Alignment to Funding Principles – 20%
Measures how well the project reflects WorkSafe’s core principles:
- Reducing workplace harm and creating systems-level change.
- Involving genuine collaboration across stakeholders.
- Evidence-based, expert-led, and sustainable beyond the funding period.
- Innovative, scalable, and transferable across industry settings.
3. Target Audience Reach – 20%
Evaluates how well the initiative engages those most at risk:
- Target industry subsectors, worker types, and number of participants reached.
- Consultation and co-design methods used.
- Strategies for widespread adoption and influence.
4. Governance and Delivery – 10%
Assesses project management, team capability, and risk mitigation:
- Leadership, experience, and accountability structure.
- Clarity of milestones and timeframes.
- Data management and ethical considerations.
5. Budget and Value for Money – 10%
Looks at financial soundness and justification of costs:
- Transparent, balanced budget linked to activities.
- Quotes provided for equipment over $5,000.
- Evidence of efficiency, realism, and cost-effectiveness.
6. Highest Claim Areas – 5%
Bonus weighting is applied to projects targeting the manufacturing claim hotspots identified in Appendix A of the guidelines (e.g., specific Victorian LGAs with high injury rates).
How do I get the WorkSafe Grants Program?
Applicants must:
- Read and understand the guidelines.
- Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
- Deliver the project as outlined in the application.
- Provide complete information requirements.
To maximise your chance of success, applicants should:
- Clearly demonstrate alignment with WorkSafe’s objectives and principles.
- Provide a compelling evidence base for the identified risk or issue.
- Showcase strong partnerships that enhance delivery and reach.
- Present a robust implementation plan with realistic milestones.
- Include a sustainability strategy showing how benefits will continue beyond the funding period.
- Show value for money, effective risk management, and governance.
- Demonstrate the capacity and expertise to successfully deliver and evaluate outcomes.
Information to prepare for the WorkSafe Grants Program application
Applicants should prepare the following for submission:
- Completed SmartyGrants application form.
- Letters of support from all project partners.
- Implementation or business plan, including timeline and milestones.
- Evidence of insurance (Public Liability and Professional Indemnity).
- Detailed budget and evaluation plan (ideally allocating ~10% of total cost to monitoring and evaluation).
- Organisational documentation such as incorporation certificate and ABN details.
Applying for the WorkSafe Grants Program
Interested applicants should visit the SmartyGrants platform to submit their application.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
WorkSafe Grants Program resources
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