OSHA Looking to Expand Its Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP)
As the current administration transitions from aggressive OSHA enforcement to compliance, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) says OSHA is looking to expand its Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP). From OSHA’s perspective, this program expansion could help employers improve workplace safety given access to the right resources.
The recent announcement by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) should be welcome news to employers across the country. It is especially good news for employers who are motivated more by voluntary compliance than the threats of aggressive enforcement.
More About the Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP)
As a workplace safety consulting firm, Compliance Consultants, Inc. believes in the value of the OSHA Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP). The programs are essentially initiatives designed to promote workplace safety by recognizing employers with outstanding safety and health records. The initiatives focus on collaboration between management, labor, and OSHA personnel.
Voluntary Protection Programs utilize performance-based criteria to determine safety and health system effectiveness. Companies are welcome to apply for recognition with OSHA if they believe their standards meet requirements. Every applicant undergoes a rigorous on-site evaluation before recognition is granted.
Voluntary Protection Programs are divided into three levels:
- Star – Recognizes applicants with exemplary and continuous efforts to improve workplace safety. Applicants demonstrate below-average injury and illness rates.
- Merit – Recognizes applicants with good systems in place but still room for improvement to reach Star level.
- Demonstration – Recognizes applicants willing to test innovative approaches to health and safety, approaches that may differ from current VPP standards.
By expanding these programs, OSHA and the DOL hope to get more employers on board with VPP. It is a great idea that deserves a lot more attention.
Voluntary Compliance Is Preferred
Many organizations will opt for the bare minimum if management believes it is being forced to comply by burdensome regulations. On the other hand, these organizations may voluntarily comply with workplace safety standards and tend to be more enthusiastic about what they do, if the threat of enforcement is removed.
Many companies believe voluntary compliance is better. They believe it is more effective in maintaining the highest standards of safety and health. Combine voluntary compliance with industry recognition and you have a recipe for enthusiastic health and safety initiatives bolstered by innovation. That is exactly what OSHA hopes to accomplish through VPP expansion.
Voluntary Protection Programs Empowering Employers to Be Safer
OSHA further explains that expanding VPP is “about empowering employers to build strong safety cultures on their own terms.” To that end, the regulatory agency is putting a heavy emphasis on outreach. They are especially interested in smaller companies that would not otherwise improve their health and safety initiatives.
Participating in VPP is a cost-effective way to improve workplace safety. The programs themselves are generally free to participate in. However, companies may incur some expenses related to the safety procedures and protocols they choose to pursue. An added benefit to inclusion in the program is that VPP participants are exempt from OSHA programmed inspections while they maintain their VPP status.
Any organization able to achieve official recognition through the OSHA VPP has demonstrated a commitment to keeping both workers and visitors safe. Recognition is therefore an honorable goal worth pursuing regardless of an organization’s size or business scope.
Get Started Today with a FREE Safety Inspection
You can begin your own journey toward OSHA recognition by getting a FREE Safety Inspection from Compliance Consultants, Inc. With our inspection, your team will better understand where you have gaps and vulnerabilities in your safety program.
A safety inspection is the first step in demonstrating to OSHA your organization’s commitment to better safety and health. Compliance Consultants, Inc, is here to help you develop and maintain a cost-effective health and safety program.
