The Oregon Young Employee Safety Coalition O[yes]) has announced its 2022 contest: its 14th subsequent year of sponsoring a contest for Oregon high school students. Last year, O[yes] expanded its contest from including only video entries, to a media contest, including video and graphic design entries.

We share the following information from our partners at O[yes].

The O[yes] Media Contest has a new theme and has added another category – graphic design!

 We are looking for video and graphic design entries that will inspire young workers to think twice about their personal health and safety at work and the reality they could be hurt on the job.

In the United States, there are 19.4 million young workers. Young workers typically have limited work experience and safety training which has shown to lead to an increase of workplace injuries. Young workers bring a fresh new perspective to business. For many young workers their first jobs are in high pressure industries such as food service and hospitality. Young people are experiencing historically high rates of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. 

Workplaces can be a source of social activity, friendships, education, support, and a safety net for our young workers. If the workplace is unsupportive and has uncontrolled hazards it serves as a source of stress. Workplace stressors can add additional risk to young people that may be struggling. However, workplaces can make a difference and can have a powerful positive effect if they are supportive, flexible, and make efforts to support mental well-being.

This year, your submission must include the tagline: “Work. It can be more dangerous than you think.” and incorporate the theme: Young Worker Mental Well-Being. 

A first, second, and third place will be awarded in each of the two categories: video and graphic design. In each category, the first place winner’s school or sanctioning club or organization will receive a matching award.

• First place: $500
• Second place: $400
• Third place: $300

Learn more about the tagline and theme on the What We Want tab on the O[yes] contest webpage.

Watch last year’s first place winners talk about their entries: Safety: The Virtual Way (Parkrose High). This year’s entries are due by February 18, 2022.

The O[yes] Video Contest is Sponsored by: