What we want

Theme: Speak up

Watch this quick video about how to make a winning video entry. Be sure you also take the time to read the information below about what we want.

We are looking for video entries that will inspire teens to do at least one thing differently to stay safe on the job. The video should be creative and targeted for a youth audience. Create a video that you would be proud to show your friends.

Your video should inspire your friends - teens who are working (or who will be working) in many different types of jobs - about the importance of speaking up in the workplace . Here are some of the things you should speak up about:

• Speak up when you see somebody doing something that could get them hurt.
• Speak up when you don't understand how to do a task.
• Speak up when your boss asks you to do something that you don't think is safe.
• Speak up when you're hurt or have an injury.
• Speak up when you have had a "near miss" or a "close call."
• Speak up when your boss asks you to operate equipment or do a job that the law protects you from doing. See list of prohibited and hazardous occupations for those under 18.
• Speak up when you "see an accident waiting to happen."
• Speak up when you're asked to operate equipment that you haven't been trained on.
• Speak up when a friend or co-worker asks you to do something that you know you're not supposed to do.

So, do you have to use the exact words above? No. This is your video, but the message must incorporate the overall idea about the importance of speaking up to avoid getting hurt on the job.

Your video should emphasize the importance of speaking up to prevent an accident from occurring.

Why is speaking up important? Because young workers:

• are more likely to perform a variety of tasks that they often aren't trained to do
• switch jobs more frequently than adults
• want to prove they can handle tasks - even if they aren't safe
• may not ask questions to avoid looking inexperienced, or because they feel intimidated
• lack the years of work-related experience that adult workers have
• receive training that is hard to relate to for their age or ability
• are often left to work with little or no supervision
• are still developing physically, so chemicals and repetitive motions can cause lasting harm
• work for employers that are not always aware of child labor laws including restrictions on working hours, conditions, and prohibited/hazardous occupations or operations intended to protect young persons

 

Tips to help you produce your video

• It is extremely important, as you promote the importance of a safe work environment to your peers, that you protect the personal health and safety for your cast, crew, and others working on the video.
• Develop a slogan or message, using your own words.
• Check out other student-created videos to help with ideas.
• Read about young worker safety and health on the O[yes] web page.
• Speak clearly so your message can be understood by all.
• Get your friends involved so your video has more than one voice.
• Use humor, puns, and clever twists of phrasing. Make it entertaining.
• Use music.
• Remember, we are looking for positive messages to share with others your age. Your submission should be innovative and creative with a strong youth perspective on workplace safety.
  

 

Emphasize young worker health and safety

• Special laws protect young people, so make sure you know your rights on the job.
• Young workers need to know how to recognize hazards, and should speak up when they see something wrong.
• Employers are responsible for providing a safe workplace and training on how to stay safe at work.
• If you don't know how to do the job, ask for help.
• Make sure you know how to do your work safely.
• Good co-workers and friends look out for each other.
• Focus on a particular hazard, choosing one that is common in places where young people work: slippery floors, hot grease and hot surfaces, knives, box-cutters and other sharp tools, heavy or awkward lifting, dangerous machinery, pesticides, and ladders.