OSHA is inviting shutterbugs – both professional and amateur – to enter a nationwide photography contest with the theme of workplace safety and health.

The agency says the goal of “Picture It! Safe Workplaces for Everyone” is to “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 www.osha.gov.

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.

Entries will be judged by a panel that includes photojournalist Earl Dotter, Carl Fillichio of the Department of Labor; Kathleen Klech, photo director for Condé 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.