Cameras Ready? OSHA Launches Photo Contest
The nationwide contest will help to make the public aware of workplace safety and health, the agency hopes.
OSHA announced a "Picture It! Safe Workplaces for Everyone" nationwide photography contest, asking photographers "to capture an image of workplace safety and health and share it with the agency." The goal "is collaborate with the public –- relying on the talent, imagination and creativity of participants –- to kick off a national effort to raise awareness about workplace safety and health," according to its announcement. (The public's perceived lack of outrage about occupational fatalities and injuries has long concerned the safety community.)
The contest is part of OSHA's 40th anniversary celebration this year, open to anyone at least 18 years old, and will run through Aug. 12. Professional and amateur photographers, OSHA contractors, and special government employees may enter the contest, but federal OSHA employees, state plans' employees, and on-site consultation employees aren't eligible -- they can enter a separate, internal contest. To read the contest rules and submit photographs, visit http://www.osha.gov/osha40/photo-contest.html.
"Photographers may interpret 'image of workplace safety and health' in any way they choose; they are not restricted to particular subject matters or themes," OSHA said. "Photographs must be taken in the United States and its territories. First-, second- and third-place prizes will be awarded for the most outstanding portrayals of occupational safety and health in terms of artistic value, and ability to raise awareness about safety and health to the general public.
"An expert panel of judges -– all accomplished professionals in the fields of photography and public affairs –- will determine the contest winners. The panel is made up of Earl Dotter, a renowned photojournalist; Carl Fillichio, senior advisor to Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis for communications and public affairs; Kathleen Klech, photo director for Condé Nast Traveler magazine; Shawn Moore, chief photographer at the U.S. Department of Labor; and George Tolbert, retired photographer for the U.S. Senate."
Winning and finalist photographs will be displayed on OSHA's photo contest web page. The first-place photograph will receive a framed letter of congratulations from Solis, and the three winning photos will hang in OSHA's Washington, D.C., headquarters.
For more information, contact OSHA's Office of Communications at 202-693-1999 or [email protected].