OSHA maintains that it’s not just a regulatory enforcement agency, but also a promoter of efforts to improve occupational safety and health through programs such as VPP.
Working with industry and labor, OSHA created the Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) in 1982 to recognize and partner with worksites that implement what OSHA terms "exemplary" systems to manage worker safety and health.
To participate in the VPP, managers, supervisors, employees, and any authorized representatives must voluntarily implement comprehensive safety and health programs that go beyond basic compliance with OSHA standards.
Using a set of flexible, performance-based criteria, the VPP process emphasizes holding managers accountable for worker safety and health, the continual identification and elimination of hazards, and the active involvement of employees in their own protection. OSHA says that these criteria work for the full range of industries, union and non-union, and for employers large and small, private and public.
Partnership
OSHA emphasizes that the VPP places significant reliance on the cooperation and trust inherent in partnership.
Sites choosing to apply for VPP recognition show their commitment to effective worker protection by inviting a government regulator into their workplace. In return, OSHA removes them from programmed inspection lists and does not issue them citations for standards violations that are promptly corrected.
It’s important to note, however, that participation in VPP does not diminish the rights or responsibilities of employers or employees under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Complaints, accidents, chemical spills, and other significant events will result in an OSHA enforcement inspection according to agency policies.
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Sites qualifying for the VPP attain Star, Merit, or Demonstration status. Star participants meet all VPP requirements. "Merit" participants have demonstrated the potential and willingness to achieve "Star" status, but some aspects of their programs need improvement. "Demonstration" participants test alternative ways to achieve safety and health excellence that may lead to changes in VPP criteria.
OSHA points to statistical evidence for VPP’s success. Consistently over its 30-year history, the average VPP worksite has had an incidence rate for days away from work, restricted work activity, and/or job transfer that is at least 50 percent below the average for its industry.
How It Works
Management commits to operating an effective occupational safety and health management system characterized by four basic elements:
- Management leadership and employee involvement
- Worksite analysis
- Hazard prevention and control
- Safety and health training
Employees must agree to participate in the program and work with management to ensure a safe and healthful workplace.
To gain entry into the BPP, you must submit an application to OSHA that describes your system of worker protection. OSHA evaluates your application, and if it’s accepted, the agency then conducts an onsite review to verify that the safety and health management system meets VPP requirements.
With approval comes OSHA’s public recognition of the applicant’s exemplary safety and health management system.
OSHA periodically reevaluates participants to confirm their continuing qualification for VPP. Onsite evaluations are conducted every 2 1/2 to 5 years for Star, 12 to 18 months for Demonstration, and 18 to 24 months for Merit.
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Paperwork
There is some paperwork required in the application process, but you are encouraged to use as much existing material as possible. OSHA says that most worksites have found that, in the process of applying, they gain a greater understanding of worker protection and discover ways to improve their safety and health management system.
VPP reviewers don’t look for a single correct way to meet VPP requirements. They want to see a system that works for you. Some successful safety and health management systems involve substantial written documentation, and others do not. Small businesses, in particular, often are able to implement excellent safety and health processes with relatively little documentation.
Tomorrow, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions about the VPP.
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