COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio State University will study how to improve workplace safety under three grants totaling $578,000 that it’s been awarded by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation and Board of Regents.

Administrator Steve Buehrer says the grants allow the bureau to expand on its expertise in accident prevention research into occupational safety and health issues. He said the awards will support research into innovative ways to prevent injuries and illnesses on the job.

Ohio State’s three research projects involve: controlling low back and shoulder disorders resulting from pushing and pulling activities; preventing musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremities among torque tool operators; and studying the safety and health risks at stored grain facilities on Ohio farms.

In all, nine winning research proposals at six higher education institutions received $2 million.