November 2012 Issue
October 26, 2012

Contest educates teens about workplace safety and health

Author: Wendy Hord - NYSUT Health & Safety specialist
Source: NYSUT United

The New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health is gearing up for its annual student YouthSafe Contest, co-sponsored by NYSUT and CSEA.

Contestants must produce a poster or a 30-second video public service announcement about potential job hazards, workplace health and safety concerns and rights.

Promotional materials have been mailed to all 1,800 high schools in New York. Prizes range from $200 to $400; $100 will be awarded to the teacher of the winning contestant in each category.

According to OSHA's statistics from 2010, a teen was hurt on the job every nine minutes, and 328 young workers were killed on the job. "This contest calls attention to — and promotes — the critically important issue of workplace safety, and presents a wonderful opportunity to educate students about the rights workers have on the job when it comes to ensuring their health and safety," said NYSUT Vice President Kathleen Donahue. "NYSUT is very proud to be taking an active role in this event."

Entries must be posted by April 12, 2013, and the winners will be announced in June 2013.

For more detailed information, go to www.nycosh.org or contact:

Susan McQuade
NYCOSH
212-227-6440, ext. 12
smcquade@nycosh.org