Achieving Safety and Health
Excellence Through the
Voluntary Protection
Programs (VPP)
Mike Levy
Region 2 VPP Manager
OSHA’s Tool Kit
Standards
 Enforcement
 Education, Training, and Outreach
 Cooperative Programs
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Voluntary Protection Programs (Goal is
8,000 sites)
Consultation Program and SHARP
Strategic Partnerships
Alliances
OSHA’S 2003-08 GOALS
Reduce workplace fatalities by 15%
 Reduce workplace injuries and illness
by 20%
 Annual Goals
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 Three percent drop in construction fatalities
 One percent drop in general industry fatalities
 Four percent drop in injuries and illnesses in
construction, general industry, and specific industries with
high hazard rates (e.g., landscaping/horticultural services,
oil and gas field services, blast furnace and basic steel
products, ship and boat building and repair
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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VPP Concept
The VPP concept recognizes that
compliance enforcement alone can never
fully achieve the objectives of the
Occupational Safety and Health Act.
 Good safety and health management
programs that go beyond OSHA standards
can protect workers more effectively than
simple compliance.
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Who Participates in VPP?
VPP participants are a select group of
facilities that have designed and implemented
outstanding safety and health programs.
 Star participants meet all VPP
requirements.
 Merit participants have demonstrated the
potential and willingness to achieve Star
program status
 Star Demonstration – special situations
and/or industries – equal to Star
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Three Programs
Star
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Highest level of recognition
All VPP requirements met
System operating at least one year
Rates are below the National Average
Three Programs
Merit
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Elements and sub-elements in place
Systems may not all be at Star quality
Rates may be above the National Average
Limited to one 3-year term
Three Programs
Star Demonstration
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Must meet Star requirements
Alternative safety and health methods
Current Demos:
 Short-term Construction
 Mobile Workforce
 Federal Contractor
 Resident contractor in
non-VPP sites
RIGHTS AND
RESPONSIBILITIES
All approved participants in the Voluntary
Protection Programs are required to have
implemented safety programs and to meet
all relevant OSHA standards. Participation
will not diminish either employer or employee
rights or responsibilities under the Act or
Executive Order 12196 for Federal Agencies.
Why Pursue VPP?… To Prevent
Accidents and Save Money!
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The average lost-time injury cost
$30,000!….. (The National Safety Council)
Each heavy construction injury or
illness equals 8-9 lost
workdays!…….(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Work injuries cost Americans $131.2
billion in 2000, exceeding the combined
profits of the top 13 Fortune 500
companies!….. (The National Safety Council)
Accidents
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It takes a minute to write a safety rule.
It takes an hour to hold a meeting.
It takes a week to develop a safety program.
It takes a month to put it in operation.
It takes a year to win a safety award.
It takes a lifetime to train a safe worker.
It takes one second to destroy it all with one
accident.
-Author Unknown
Why Pursue VPP?
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Reduced Illnesses and Injuries:
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On average injury and illness rates at VPP
sites are 54% below National averages
Cost Savings:
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VPP sites avoided 5,638 injuries in FY2000
Total cost savings approximately $152
million
Other Incentives…VPP
Benefits Business
Improved employee motivation to work
safely, leading to better quality and
productivity.
 Improvement of programs that are
already good, through the VPP
application process and internal and
external reviews.
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Other Incentives…VPP
Benefits Business, cont’d
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Recognition in the community
Competitive edge.
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Verification of the safety and health
management system by OSHA.
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Reduced injury and illness rates.
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Reduced workers' compensation costs.
VPP Benefits
Workers
Go home safe
 Involvement in S&H
 Pride in work
 Improved morale
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VPP Benefits OSHA
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Partners in excellence
Accomplishes OSHA’s mission
VPP partners serve as models for their industries
Helps OSHA promote value of safety and health
Leverages resources
Assist in standards development.
Provide program resources / mentoring, OSHA
volunteers, training, seminars, WTC
VPP is a Win-Win-Win
Relationship!
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Trust and cooperation
Elimination of fear
Achievement of a common goal….to prevent
worker injuries, illnesses and deaths
Improved relations between labor,
management, and government
Principles of VPP
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Focus on individual worksites
Performance-based criteria
Beyond compliance
Self-Sufficient
Continuous Improvement
Effective safety and health
management systems
Elements of a
Comprehensive Safety and
Health
Management System
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Management Leadership and Employee
Involvement
Worksite Analysis
Hazard Prevention and Control
Safety and Health Training
Will My Program
Qualify?
A Self-Assessment checklist is included
in the VPP information kit. Use the
checklist to see if your program meets
VPP criteria.
 The checklist covers information about a
site’s Lost Workday Rates, Safety and
Health Program elements, and related
topics.
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Where do I sign up?
VPP Application Process
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Companies submit an application that
includes:
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Management assurances
Written union support
Injury and illness rates
Description of safety and health management
system
Application reviewed for completeness
Company’s previous OSHA history verified
OSHA and the site prepare for the onsite
review
What Paperwork is Involved?
The application is a summary of the safety and
health management system.
 The focus in not on a single correct way to meet
VPP requirements, but rather a system that works.
Some successful programs involve a lot of written
documentation, while others do not.
 There is some paperwork required in the
application process, but use of existing material is
encouraged.
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What Do Management &
Employees Agree To Do?
Management agrees to operate an effective
program that meets an established set of criteria.
 Management also agrees to provide OSHA with
annual OSHA Log information and an evaluation
report.
 All employees agree to participate in the program
and work with management to ensure a safe and
healthful workplace. All unions must confirm
their
support of the application, if applicable.
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Onsite Evaluation
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An OSHA Team visits the site
Typically lasts 3-5 days
Evaluation consists of:
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Opening Conference
Document Review
Walkthrough of Worksite
Employee and Management Interviews
Closing Conference
Draft Report and Team’s Recommendations
for one of three programs
Documentation Review
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Baseline surveys
Hazard analyses
Preventive Maintenance records
Training records
Records of employee involvement
Program evaluations
Site Tour
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Follow entire work process where
possible
Note hazard categories
Note needed improvements
Suggest improvements – establish
timeline for corrections
Interviews
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Formal – to determine the perception of
all levels of employees regarding the
effectiveness of each element of the
safety and health program.
Informal – to determine the employees’
knowledge of safety and health
procedures and policies.
Closing Conference
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Team recommendation for one of three
findings
Presentation of site review findings
Presentation of draft report
Celebration!
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New approvals by
Assistant
Secretary
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Re-approvals at
Regional Level
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VPP Ceremony
Continuous Improvement
Annual Self-Evaluation
 On-going dialogue
 OSHA re-visits the site every three to
five years. (12 –18 months for Merit
sites)
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VPP Sites Stay Involved!
Program Innovations
VPPPA
Mentoring
Special Government
Employees
Where Can I Get More
Information?
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The VPP Manager in your Regional Office
can provide you with a VPP information kit
and help with questions about the program.
Mike Levy
Office: 518-464-4338
levy.michael@dol.gov
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Information is also at: www.osha.gov