CCOHS announces winners of 2024 Focus on Safety Youth Video Contest
In a captivating celebration of creativity and awareness, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) has unveiled the winners of its national 2024 Focus on Safety Youth Video Contest. This contest, held during the national launch of Safety and Health Week, highlights the innovative spirit of young Canadians dedicated to promoting safety in the workplace.
"It gives me great pleasure to celebrate the creativity and insight of our young people," said Anne Tennier, president and CEO of CCOHS, as she proudly announced the winners during a webinar. "These videos not only highlight the importance of workplace safety but also demonstrate the powerful impact of engaging youth in our ongoing safety conversations."
First place: A call for distraction-free workplaces
Leo Teixeira, a student from Kitsilano Secondary School in British Columbia, took home the first prize of $2,000 with his video titled "(Do Not) Disturb." This poignant production addresses the crucial topic of minimizing distractions to maintain safety. Reflecting on his win, Teixeira shared, "This project has made it immediately apparent to me how important your work is. I learned a lot making this video, and it even changed the way I look at my phone."
Second place: Highlighting hazard awareness
The second-place award went to the team of Caryl Jazz Cruz, Ethan Langit, Sean Monfero, and Evan Rivard from Sisler High School in Manitoba. Their video, "Distractions – How to Prevent Hand and Finger Injuries," creatively uses narrative and visual elements to communicate key safety messages about avoiding common workplace injuries.
Third place: Promoting visibility in the workplace
Bethany Reid from Corner Brook Regional High in Newfoundland and Labrador earned the third-place prize with her video "Good Visibility is No Accident." The video effectively emphasizes the importance of proper visibility in preventing workplace accidents, an essential message for young workers across industries.
Jury and recognition
The videos were evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges who are leaders in the health and safety profession. "Our judges had a challenging task due to the high quality of entries, each bringing a unique perspective to workplace safety," Tennier explained.
The CCOHS plans to continue this initiative annually, encouraging more young Canadians to participate and contribute to a culture of safety. "Safety and Health Week is only one week, but our commitment to creating environments that are both physically and psychologically safe must remain strong all year long," said Tennier.
By engaging young minds and fostering a dialogue on safety practices, the Focus on Safety Youth Video Contest not only educates but inspires a proactive approach to workplace safety across Canada.
