Higher ZUS Grants for Investments in Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)
The Polish Social Insurance Institution (Zakład Ubezpieczeń Społecznych, ZUS) has announced this year’s call for proposals supporting projects aimed at improving occupational health and safety (OHS) conditions in companies. Compared to last year, several important changes have been introduced, including higher maximum grant amounts and increased funding caps within specific cost categories. Although the number of eligible action categories has been reduced, the overall catalogue of eligible costs remains unchanged — certain types of activities have simply been consolidated.
HOW MUCH?
Up to PLN 350,000, covering up to 80% of total project costs.
Up to 60% of the awarded funding may be received as an advance payment before costs are incurred.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
ZUS contribution payers (both SMEs and large enterprises) with no outstanding social security contributions or tax liabilities.
WHAT CAN BE FINANCED?
Planned (for 2027) purchase and installation of machinery, equipment, protective systems and workplace solutions necessary for daily operations, including:
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Guards and protective systems, including personal protective equipment (PPE),
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Ventilation, air-conditioning and lighting systems,
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Forklifts, stair climbers, lifting tables,
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Equipment reducing musculoskeletal strain, hoists, cranes, grippers,
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Soundproof and sound-absorbing enclosures and other solutions mitigating harmful or burdensome factors in the workplace.
The catalogue of eligible activities remains broad but closed. Therefore, an initial review of investment needs against the official list of eligible actions (“OHS Grant – Catalogue of Eligible Activities”) is recommended at an early stage.
WHEN?
Applications may be submitted until 24 March. Results will be announced before the end of the year.
IMPORTANT:
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The grant does not reduce the company’s de minimis aid limit.
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Suppliers of equipment and solutions do not need to be selected through a public tender procedure.
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The application process is less complex than that of standard EU funding schemes; however, the evaluation process is highly detailed and rigorous.
A number of supporting documents must be attached to the funding application, and gathering the required documentation is time-consuming. We therefore recommend verifying the eligibility of planned OHS investments, developing a funding strategy, and starting preparations to secure ZUS financing as early as possible — we will be pleased to assist you throughout the process.
For more information, please contact our grants team:
Anna Derewońko (anna.derewonko@thedy.pl)
Paweł Marszaluk (pawel.marszaluk@thedy.pl)