Students! You could earn $500 by creating your own “ad” for our O[yes] Online Safety Awareness training!  
 
This year’s O[yes] Media Contest is all about YOU! You come up with the theme. You create the catchy tagline. You draw the audience in with your creativity and get them to take action.

What action? Get teens to take the O[yes] online Safety Awareness Training!

Your target audience: Teen workers or teens who are preparing to work for the first time.

How: through a compelling Graphic Design or a video message (90-seconds or less)

Key message, theme, or tagline: You choose! (But choose wisely! Pick positive messages and language. See our rules for complete guidance..)

We’re asking you to think creatively about the kinds of posters, designs, or videos that would catch the attention of your peers and convince them to take the O[yes] online Safety Awareness Training as a great way to learn how to stay safe and healthy on the job (whether you already have a job or you’re planning to be working soon).

We’ll use the best-of-the-best submissions we receive as “ads” in our efforts to help better protect teen workers. And the best-of-the-best will also receive some great awards:

A first, second, and third place will be awarded in each of the two categories: video and graphic design. In each category, the first-place winner's school or sanctioning club or organization will receive a matching award.

• First place: $500
• Second place: $400
• Third place: $300

 

Author Heather Ashwill
​​ 
As the calendar rolls over to 2024, it is a good time for businesses and organizations to revisit and refresh their safety programs. New Years is typically the time when individuals make new commitments or resolutions to themselves, their families, and at work. As a safety professional, you can extend your commitment to those you serve by kicking off the New Year focused on employee well-being.
 
Here are a few ideas you can implement after (or before!) the ball drops:

1. Year-End or New Year Safety Audits:

Conducting a comprehensive safety audit at the end of the year (or the beginning) is a crucial step toward identifying potential hazards and taking action to correct them. Checking equipment, emergency exits, fire safety measures, ergonomic setups, etc. are all great places to start. Sometimes focusing on at a time is the best way to follow the project or audit through to the end.

1. Employee Training and Refreshers:

• Emergency Procedures: Ensure all employees are familiar with emergency procedures, including evacuation routes, assembly points, and the location of emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers.
• First Aid Training: Provide or refresh first aid training for those designated employees.
  • Safety Protocols: Have a toolbox meeting or other training to remind employees of safety protocols relevant to their roles.

 

1. Communication and Awareness:
   • Safety Reminders: Use email or other methods to regularly remind employees of safety protocols, guidelines or procedures.
   • Anonymous Reporting: Establish an anonymous reporting system for employees to raise safety concerns.
   • Training Programs: Invest in ongoing safety training programs to keep employees informed about the latest safety practices, procedures and protocols.

Prioritizing workplace safety at the beginning of the New Year sets a positive tone for the year ahead. By conducting audits, planning to provide relevant training, and fostering a culture of safety, businesses can help create an environment that promotes the well-being of employees. A commitment to safety not only helps with compliance, but contributes to a more productive and positive workplace.
 
Here’s to a safe and successful New Year!