Safety Break coming up, Jan. 22

Employers across the state are invited to participate in Safety Break for Oregon on Wednesday, May 9, an event aimed at raising awareness and promoting the value of keeping people safe and healthy while on the job. Now in its 15th year, Safety Break encourages employers to bolster workplace safety and health with training, award recognition gatherings, or other creative activities. Oregon OSHA coordinates Safety Break, which is voluntary for employers. Businesses and other employers can decide what activities are most beneficial to their workforce. “This stand-down provides an opportunity for employers and their workers to pause and remember the high value they should place on protecting workers from harm,” said Michael Wood, Oregon OSHA administrator. “It’s an opportunity to highlight past successes and to review the reasons behind those successes. It’s also a time to reflect on current challenges and to plan for the future with a renewed focus on identifying and eliminating hazards.” Safety Break encourages employees and managers to work together to identify safety and health concerns. The result of this cooperation can lead to fewer injuries and reduced workers’ compensation costs for employers. Companies that participate will be entered to win one of three $100 checks, to be used for a luncheon of their choice, when they sign up online by Friday, May 4: http://osha.oregon.gov/safetybreak/Pages/signup.aspx. The prizes will be given to participating companies as part of a random drawing. The Oregon SHARP Alliance is sponsoring the contest. During the event, companies are encouraged to share their Safety Break activities on social media by tagging @OregonOSHA on Facebook and using #SafetyBreak2018 on Twitter and Instagram. For more information, ideas on how to host an event, or to download graphics, visit the Safety Break for Oregon website at http://osha.oregon.gov/safetybreak/Pages/index.aspx.