Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP)
The Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) recognize employers and workers who go beyond the minimum OSHA rules and run strong safety and health programs. Joining is voluntary. VPP worksites work with OSHA as partners, and they usually have injury rates well below average.
- Employers
- Workers
- Safety Managers
The three levels
| Level | Who it’s for |
|---|---|
| Star | Worksites with exemplary programs and injury and illness rates below the average for their industry |
| Merit | Worksites with good programs that have the potential and commitment to reach Star within a few years |
| Demonstration | Worksites that test new approaches to the requirements, with VPP-quality protection |
Rules, time frames and eligibility details change from time to time, so check OSHA’s current VPP page before applying.
What a VPP site does
VPP is built on five elements:
- Management leadership: top managers commit to safety, set goals, assign responsibility and give resources.
- Worker participation: workers help find hazards, join committees, give input and report concerns without fear. See Safety Committees.
- Hazard identification and assessment: regular inspections, job hazard analysis and investigation of incidents and near misses.
- Hazard prevention and control: fixing hazards using the hierarchy of controls, with tracking until done. See Hierarchy of Controls.
- Safety and health training: training for workers, supervisors and managers, with records. See Training Requirements.
How a worksite joins and stays in
- Apply to OSHA with a written application that describes the safety program and injury data.
- OSHA reviews the application and visits the site for an on-site evaluation, including interviews with workers.
- Approval brings recognition and a participation period.
- Reevaluations happen on a repeating schedule, and sites submit annual information on injuries and program improvements.
- A site that falls short can be put on a plan to improve or removed from the program.
VPP also has a path for mobile workforce employers, such as construction contractors, who move from site to site. State-plan states may run their own programs. VPP is separate from OSHA Consultation, though consultation can help an employer prepare.
Benefits
- Recognition from OSHA, and often better reputation with customers and insurers.
- Exemption from OSHA’s routine programmed inspections while in good standing. OSHA still investigates fatalities, serious accidents, formal complaints and imminent danger. See OSHA Inspections.
- Usually fewer injuries, lower costs and better morale.
What it means for workers
- You have a real voice, such as joining inspections, reporting hazards and serving on committees.
- You still have all your OSHA rights. VPP doesn’t take them away. See Worker Rights.
- You can still file a complaint with OSHA. See Whistleblower Protection.
- Ask if your worksite is in VPP and how you can take part.
VPP is not a guarantee. A VPP site can still have hazards. If you see something unsafe, report it.
Is VPP right for an employer?
- Management is committed to safety and gives workers a real role
- The site’s injury and illness rates are at or below the industry average
- A written safety and health program is in place and followed. See Safety Programs
- Hazards are found, tracked and fixed, with records
- The employer is ready for an on-site OSHA evaluation
Standards & references
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