Safety Break for Oregon Encourages Statewide Stand-Down on Worker Safety May 13
Oregon OSHA invites employers and workers across all industries to pause operations and focus on workplace safety and health during the annual Safety Break for Oregon.
- By Stasia DeMarco
- Feb 02, 2026
Oregon OSHA is encouraging employers and workers across all industries to participate in the annual Safety Break for Oregon on Wednesday, May 13, a statewide stand-down focused on workplace safety and health.
The event invites employers, supervisors, workers, safety committee members, and safety and health professionals to pause normal operations and emphasize the importance of creating and maintaining safe, healthy working conditions.
“Safety Break brings people together to have open and productive conversations about safety and health,” said Renée Stapleton, administrator for Oregon OSHA. “It is not merely a symbolic event. It is a time to step back and reflect on what’s working, discuss what we can do better, and to prioritize, plan, and act.”
Now in its 23rd year, Safety Break for Oregon is coordinated by Oregon OSHA to highlight the importance of minimizing or eliminating workplace hazards that can lead to serious injury or illness. Participation is flexible, allowing employers and workers to choose activities that best fit their operations.
Suggested activities include conducting safety or health training, assessing job-site conditions for improvement, or recognizing safety committee members and emerging safety leaders.
Participants are encouraged to register online and share their Safety Break activities on Facebook and LinkedIn using the hashtag #SafetyBreak. Employers and workers may also use free Oregon OSHA resources during their activities, including consultation services, technical assistance, education and training programs, and materials available through the agency’s Resource Center.
Employers that sign up by Friday, May 8, and participate in Safety Break will be entered into a random drawing for one of three $100 checks to be used toward a luncheon of their choice. The prize drawing is sponsored by the SHARP Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting workplace safety and health through collaboration among employers, workers, and other organizations.
About the Author
Stasia DeMarco brings a strong and varied journalism background to her role at Occupational Health & Safety, having previously served as a multimedia editor, broadcast journalist, professor and reviewer across major news organizations. As Content Editor, she writes news and feature articles, hosts sponsor and editorial webinars, co-hosts the SafetyPod worker health and safety podcast, and manages the brand’s digital and social media presence. She is committed to informing and engaging the safety community through compelling reporting and conversations that support safer, healthier workplaces.