US Department of Labor's OSHA launches Picture It! Safe Workplaces for Everyone' photo contest

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration today announced a nationwide photography contest: Picture It! Safe Workplaces for Everyone. OSHA challenges anyone with a passion for photography to capture an image of workplace safety and health and share it with the agency. The goal of the contest is collaborate with the public – relying on the talent, imagination and creativity of participants – to kick off a national effort to raise awareness about workplace safety and health.

The contest, which is part of OSHA's yearlong 40th anniversary celebration, is open to members of the public ages 18 and older and will run through Friday, Aug. 12. Both professional and amateur photographers are welcome to enter. Participants can find contest rules and submit photographs at http://www.osha.gov/osha40/photo-contest.html.

Photographers may interpret "image of workplace safety and health" in any way they choose; they are not restricted to particular subject matters or themes. Photographs must be taken in the United States and its territories. First-, second- and third-place prizes will be awarded for the most outstanding portrayals of occupational safety and health in terms of artistic value, and ability to raise awareness about safety and health to the general public.

An expert panel of judges – all accomplished professionals in the fields of photography and public affairs – will determine the contest winners. The panel is made up of Earl Dotter, renowned photojournalist; Carl Fillichio, senior advisor to Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis for communications and public affairs; Kathleen Klech, photo director for Cond Nast Traveler magazine; Shawn Moore, chief photographer at the U.S. Department of Labor; and George Tolbert, retired photographer for the U.S. Senate.

All winning and finalist photographs will be displayed on the OSHA photo contest Web page. The first-place winner also will receive a framed letter of congratulations from Secretary Solis, and the three winning photos will be framed and hung in OSHA's national office in Washington, where they will serve as a daily reminder for leading policymakers and prominent professionals of the real-life impact of OSHA's mission.

Along with the general public, OSHA contractors and special government employees may participate in the contest. However, federal OSHA, "state plan" state OSHA employees and on-site consultation employees are not eligible. (A separate, internal contest is running simultaneously for the latter group.)

All questions from the public may be directed to OSHA's Office of Communications at 202-693-1999 or photocontest@dol.gov. Press should contact Jesse Lawder or Diana Petterson using the above information.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.