Oregon Workers Are Invited to take a ‘Safety Break’ May 13
Oregon OSHA recently announced the statewide initiative to take part in Safety Break for Oregon on May 13 in an effort to promote workplace safety and health.
Employers and workers across Oregon state are invited to participate in the 17th annual Safety Break for Oregon—a designated time to pause and reflect on the importance of protecting people from hazards and harm while on the job.
On Wednesday, May 13, you can gather your team for a clear-eyed examination of potential new hazards and discuss how to tackle them. You can refresh your knowledge and training. You can even celebrate past successes and recognize emerging safety leaders. Oregon OSHA leaves the choice of activity up to companies and employers.
Oregon OSHA believes this safety break event is important for a number reasons. It allows employers, workers, and teams to celebrate on-the-job health and safety, and it allows employees to work together to address existing safety and health concerns. The results include fewer injuries and reduced workers’ compensation costs.
“This stand-down provides an opportunity for employers and workers to remember the high value they should place on preventing injury and illness in the workplace,” said Michael Wood, administrator of Oregon OSHA. “At its best, it is not merely symbolic, but also an opportunity for a focused discussion about the best ways to make safety a reality in the workplace by identifying and eliminating hazards.”
If group bonding and teamwork is not incentive enough, companies that participate will be entered to win one of three $100 checks. These checks can be used for a luncheon of their choice when they sign up online by Friday, May 8. The prizes will be given to participating companies based on a random drawing.
Sponsoring the contest is the Oregon SHARP Alliance—a nonprofit group that promotes safety and health management by encouraging teamwork and cooperation among people, employers, and organizations to improve workplace health and safety for Oregon workers.
Oregon OSHA encourages participating companies to share their activities on social media by tagging @OregonOSHA on Facebook and using #SafetyBreak on Twitter. For more information, ideas on how to host an event, or download graphics, visit the
Safety Break for Oregon website.