Voluntary Protection Program - Requirement
Why is there a requirement to become part of VPP? If the idea is to hold participants to a high safety standard shouldn't a place with a bad safety record that wants to improve it be able to join? Wouldn't that be the best way to get participation and enhance safety?
"For VPP, we require that your worksite 3-year average be below at least ONE of the BLS rates for your industry (based on NAICS code)."
Comments (6)
VPP is in effect to recognize companies that have ALREADY implemented effective safety management systems. If they allowed everyone to be a "VPP Site" that said they wanted to improve safety, then the company never actually implemented anything (for a variety of reasons), then it would diminish the value of being a "VPP Site".
There are several tiered options for demonstrating to OSHA a commitment to increasing the protection of the workforce. VPP designation is at the top, but is just one of those tiers. Achieving VPP Star status takes a very long time with much commitment that most companies do not have the resources to attain. My site was VPP, then lost it, then got it back again. Besides the exemption from certain types of OSHA inspections, I don’t see many benefits to being VPP designated. Of course it means you have a good safety culture, and fewer injuries, but it effectively eliminates the need for a relationship with the regulatory body who oversees worker safety. I believe the collaborative activities encouraged by almost every other OSHA program encourages stronger relationships between employers and regulators and arguably, is better for the average worker at average workplaces.