What is VPP?? Voluntary Protection Program In 1982 OSHA wanted to recognize and partner with businesses or worksites that showed excellence in occupational safety and health. Sites needed to be committed to effective employee protection beyond the requirements of OSHA standards. Go “Beyond Compliance”

VPP Philosophy

VPP Today Texas has the largest number with 302 worksites, mostly refineries & chemical plants in the Houston area. Since 1982 until March of this Year, only 2,214 worksites have achieved VPP status. (worksites not companies)

Current Issues with VPP OSHA VPP Coordinators cannot keep up with the number of applications Not enough mentors for current applications Companies with high incident rates cannot apply Time sensitive, once a company starts the process they are under a time limit to finish

OSHA Challenge Program – 2004 Open to any company regardless of incident rate Administration of program by non-paid groups and institutions OSHA has limited involvement – no additional staff necessary – better manage current projects No time limits to complete program Solution

OSHA Challenge Stage I (Analysis & Plan) OSHA Challenge Stage I (Analysis & Plan) OSHA Challenge Stage II (Design & Implement) OSHA Challenge Stage II (Design & Implement) OSHA Challenge Stage III (Evaluate & Improve) OSHA Challenge Stage III (Evaluate & Improve) Roadmap

CHALLENGE Roadmap to VPP

Challenge Overview Provides a road map for implementing safety and health (S&H) management systems to improve worker safety and health Recognizes participant-employers for incremental improvements in their S&H management systems Network resources with other Challenge Participants Each stage covers items of the VPP Program

Challenge is open to employers under OSHA’s jurisdiction who: Are interested in and committed to improving their safety and health management systems Seek information, training, or other assistance in implementing or improving their safety and health management systems Who Can Participate In Challenge?

Steps to Challenge Program Initial Contact with Washington DC & Administrator Assigned Application and Commitment Letter Sent Approval & Acceptance Complete Three Stages of the program Participants will be required to show progression through the stages There is a set of action steps which must be performed to move from stage to stage Verification audit by Administrator at the end of each stage

Incentives and Recognition OSHA will offer incentives and recognition at: Initial commitment and acceptance The completion of each stage Examples: Letters, names on web page, priority for VPP evaluation

Challenge Stages Each stage also requires documentation of participant achievements Each stage has action and outcome requirements related to: Management Leadership and Employee Involvement Worksite Analysis Hazard Prevention and Control Safety and Health Training After demonstrating initial commitment, Challenge participants move through three stages within the Program

Challenge Stages Participants must show progress related to: Knowledge of and compliance with OSHA standards Knowledge and implementation of safety and health management systems Improved documentation and workplace culture Increased frequency of safety and health activities Improvement in injury and illness rates Participants must progress from being reactive to proactive in identifying and controlling hazards.

Four Elements 1.Management Leadership & Employee Involvement 2.Worksite Analysis 3.Hazard Prevention & Control 4.Safety & Health Training

Requirements Mandatory: Hazards identified and corrected Number and severity of injuries and illnesses Leading indicators for management commitment and employee involvement Suggested: Pre- and post-employee surveys Worker’s compensation data Employee absenteeism and turnover rates Productivity Levels

Recognition and Incentives: Stage I Letter from Area Director upon completion of Stage I requirements Stage II Letter from Regional Administrator upon completion of Stage II requirements Recognition on OSHA’s web site and in OSHA publications

Recognition and Incentives: Stage III Certificate of graduation from Challenge from the Assistant Secretary of OSHA Recognition on OSHA’s web site and in OSHA publications Removal from OSHA’s programmed inspection list upon OSHA’s acceptance of a VPP application for Merit/Star Discounts for participation in OSHA training and other educational events Priority scheduling of an on-site visit for VPP evaluation Penalty reductions

Getting Started Contact Christian Wojnar with OSHA in Washington DC. Request Application Acceptance into Program Administrator assigned Begin Program