VPP Introduction

1
VPP Introduction

• Challenge for the Future of Safety
• Developed from VPP website information

2
What is VPP

• The Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) are
  designed to recognize and promote effective
  safety and health management. In the VPP,
  management, labor, and OSHA establish a
  cooperative relationship at a workplace that has
  implemented a strong program.

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What is VPP (contd)

• Management agrees to operate an effective program
  that meets an established set of criteria.
• Employees agree to participate in the program and
  work with management to assure a safe and
  healthful workplace.

4
What is VPP (contd)

• OSHA initially verifies that the program meets
  the VPP criteria.
• Then publicly recognize the site's exemplary
  program, and removes the site from routine
  scheduled inspection lists (OSHA may still
  investigate major accidents, valid formal
  employee complaints, and chemical spills)

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What is VPP (contd)

• OSHA also reassesses periodically to confirm that
  the site continues to meet VPP criteria (every
  three years for the Star program every year for
  the merit program)
• The VPP concept recognizes that compliance
  enforcement alone can never fully achieve the
  objectives of the Occupational Safety and Health
  Act. Good safety management programs that go
  beyond OSHA standards can protect workers more
  effectively than simple compliance.

6
VPP Program Levels

• VPP are comprised of program elements that have
  been demonstrated to reduce the incidence and
  severity of workplace illnesses and injuries at
  worksites where these programs are an integral
  part of daily operations.
• To reach each level, OSHA must approve of your
  program.

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Demonstration

• The Demonstration Program allows evaluation of
  criteria different from, but potentially as
  protective for workers as the Star criteria. The
  purpose of this program is to demonstrate that
  these criteria do protect workers and thus to
  broaden the repertoire of safety and health
  initiatives.

8
Merit

• The Merit Program provides a planned set of
  "stepping stones" to Star participation for those
  employers who have demonstrated the potential and
  willingness to achieve Star requirements.

9
Star

• The Star Program is the most highly selective
  program and is for applicants with occupational
  safety and health programs that are comprehensive
  and are successful in reducing workplace hazards.
  
• OSHA expects that Star participants will be on
  the leading edge of hazard prevention methods and
  technology and that participants will show
  continuous improvement in their safety and health
  programs.

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What are the Benefits?

• The following benefits have been cited by current
  VPP participants
• Improved employee motivation to work safely,
  leading to better quality and productivity
• Reduced workers' compensation costs
• Recognition in the community
• Improvement of programs that are already good,
  through the internal and external review that's
  part of the VPP application process
• VPP participant sites generally experience from
  60 to 80 percent fewer lost workday injuries than
  would be expected of an "average" site of the
  same size in their industries

11
Wont this increase my paperwork load?

• The VPP application process is designed to be
  rigorous, to assure that only the best programs
  qualify. But 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 programs involve a lot of written
  documentation, while others do not.
• There is some paperwork required in the
  application process, but we encourage you to use
  as much existing material as possible. The VPP
  coordinator in your region can help you with
  questions about what might be required.

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Will my program qualify

• OSHA offers a Self-Assessment in the VPP
  information kit.
• You can use the checklist to see if your program
  meets VPP criteria.
• Make corrections where needed before you begin
  the application process.

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How Do I Join

• You must submit a written application to OSHA.
  The application guideline is included in the VPP
  information kit. After your written application
  has been reviewed by OSHA, an Onsite Review will
  be scheduled.
• "What Happens When OSHA Comes Onsite", found in
  the VPP information kit, describes the onsite
  review.
• The website publication What to Expect During
  OSHAs Visit will also be helpful.

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Where to get more Information

• The VPP Coordinator in your OSHA Regional Office
  can provide you with a VPP information kit and
  can help you with any questions that you might
  have.
• The VPPPA organization has further information.
• Insurance agencies and consultants may be able to
  assist.

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Benefits of Participating in VPP

• Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) participants
  establish and maintain excellent safety and
  health programs in their workplaces that are
  recognized by OSHA as models for their
  industries.
• Cooperative interaction with OSHA gives companies
  the opportunity to provide OSHA with input on
  safety and health matters and to provide industry
  with models of effective means for accomplishing
  workplace safety and health objectives.

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Benefits of Participating in VPP

• Participants are not subject to routine OSHA
  inspections, because OSHA's VPP onsite reviews
  ensure that their safety and health programs
  provide superior protection.
• Establishing and maintaining safety and health
  programs on the VPP model are reflected in
  substantially lower than average worker injury
  rates at VPP worksites.

17
Ask the Question

• Do you accept the challenge?