Oregon business invited to take a ‘Safety Break’ May 8

It’s a day to recognize successes in creating safe and healthy workplaces. It’s a day to refresh training and knowledge about protecting people on the job. It’s a day to reflect on future challenges and to forge new plans to wipe out worksite hazards.

Employers across the state are invited to participate in Safety Break for Oregon – the Wednesday, May 8, event focused on raising awareness and promoting the value of keeping people safe and healthy while on the job.

Now in its 16th 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 take the time to remember the high value they should place on preventing injury and illness in the workplace,” said Michael Wood, Oregon OSHA administrator. “It’s an important time to review past successes – and the reasons for those successes – while planning ahead with a renewed dedication to analyzing 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 3: 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. The nonprofit group promotes safety and health management by encouraging teamwork among people, employers, and organizations to improve workplace health and safety for Oregon workers.

During the Safety Break event, companies are encouraged to share their activities on social media by tagging @OregonOSHA on Facebook and using #SafetyBreakDay on Twitter.

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.