RICHMOND, VA -- The Virginia Department of Labor & Industry’s (DOLI) Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) program, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), announced a new video contest to raise awareness of workplace safety among young workers.

The VOSH Vision: Your Voice. Your Safety. contest invites Virginia high school students and early-career workers to create an original public service announcement (PSA) video. Each PSA should encourage workers to recognize workplace hazards, understand their rights, ask questions, report unsafe conditions and speak up for safety.

“Safety messages often hit home harder when they come from peers who understand your experiences,” says James Frederick, commissioner, DOLI. “Through our inaugural video contest, we want to inspire the next generation of workers to advocate for safe workplaces across the state. We want every Virginian, regardless of age, to return home safe and healthy at the end of every shift.”

“The ASSP Foundation is honored to support this program to help students and early-career workers advance workplace safety across Virginia,” adds Monique Parker, CSP, president of ASSP. “Young workers are more likely to be injured on the job, often because they’re unfamiliar with hazards or hesitant to speak up. We hope this contest helps young people see that their voice matters and that speaking up can help prevent a serious injury or fatality.”

Contestants will compete in two divisions, with first-, second- and third-place winners selected in each:

High School Student Division: Open to Virginia students in grades 9–12.

Early-Career Division: Open to Virginia residents within their first five years of full-time employment, including apprentices, interns, recent graduates and early-career workers.

Cash prizes range from $500 to $3,000. Submissions are open now through February 28, 2027.
The contest is generously supported by McElhattan Foundation.
For more information, including eligibility and submission guidelines, visit https://foundation.assp.org/vosh-video-contest.

About Contest
THIS IS NOT A SWEEPSTAKES. IT IS A SKILLS CONTEST. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Contest is open to legal residents of state of Virginia who are either (1) a current high school student, or (2) an individual within their first five (5) years of their chosen career in the state of Virginia. Void where prohibited by law. Contest entry period begins on October 30, 2026 at 1:00 am ET and ends on February 28, 2027 at 11:59 pm ET. Only one Entry per individual allowed. Odds of winning depend on the number of entries received; winner will be chosen by a judging panel. Prizes consist of: High School Division: First place $2,500, Second place $1,000, Third place $500 and Early Career Division: First place $3,000, Second place $2,000 and Third place $1,000. ARV of all prizes is $10,000. Winners are responsible for all taxes associated with the prize. Contest not open to DOLI, VSOW or Sponsor employees. Subject to full Official Rules. Sponsor: American Society of Safety Professionals.

BY ENTERING THE CONTEST, YOU AGREE TO THESE OFFICIAL RULES, WHICH ARE A CONTRACT. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. PURCHASE DOES NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.