Oklahoma State claims championship at 2026 Safety Olympics; Southeastern places sixth

In an incredibly tight margin, Oklahoma State University claimed the championship of the 2026 Safety Olympics hosted by Southeastern Oklahoma State University's department of Occupational Safety and Health.

OSU margin of victory over Montana Tech was 1/100^th of a point. Montana Tech was the champion of the event two years ago.

The Safety Olympics consisted of seven teams competing in six aspects of occupational safety and health: Hazard Recognition, Incident Investigation, Presentation Preparation, Safety Culture, Safety Innovation, and Safety Jeopardy. Over two days, the teams were scored and ranked.

"Thank you to all the teams that came to participate in the 2026 Safety Olympics competition," said Dr. Mellena Nichols, associate professor of occupational safety and health and Southeastern team coach. "It's always great to have the competing schools visit us in Durant, as we're also thankful for our sponsors and judges from companies and construction facilities across the region supporting the teams."

Teams in the competition were:

• Southeastern Oklahoma State
• University of Central Missouri (Warrensburg, Mo.)
• Collin College (Collin County, Texas)
• Montana Technical University (Butte, Mont.)
• Oklahoma State University (Stillwater, Okla.)
• Pittsburg State University (Pittsburg, Kans.)
• The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

2026 SAFETY OLYMPICS SCOREBOARD

A total of 39 vendors from across the nation were represented at Thursday's annual Safety Career Fair as well.