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The State Accident Insurance Fund Corporation has established a $10 million fund to help policyholders pay for workplace safety measures related to COVID-19.

The non-for-profit, state-chartered workers’ compensation insurance company insures over 70 percent of the Oregon construction industry. It wants to help its members absorb unanticipated expenses tied to making required workplace enhancements or dealing with the pandemic’s impact on workers.

鈥淲e insure 72 percent of the construction industry in Oregon, and any SAIF policyholder is eligible to apply,鈥� SAIF Communications Strategist Lauren Casler said.

Measures eligible for funding could include worksite cleaning services and disinfection supplies; work to safely reopen a business after a coronavirus-related closure; redesign or modification of a workspace to enforce social distancing; and mental health and wellness programs.聽That is not an exhaustive list.

Costs incurred March 1 and thereafter are eligible for funding. Submissions will be accepted until all dollars are awarded or are no longer needed.

鈥淥ur goal is to respond quickly to help businesses in this time of greatest need,鈥� Kerry Barnett, president and CEO of SAIF, stated in a press release. 鈥淭hat has never been more important than now.鈥�

Parties potentially eligible for funding quickly learned of it.

鈥淲e are hoping this can help a lot of people,鈥� Casler said on Tuesday. 鈥淚 do know that we have already received 171 applications since opening this up at 10:30 this morning.鈥�

An application and fund details are available at .