OSHA VPP Requirements

OSHA VPP requirements are set different to each companies needs. VPP stands for Voluntary Protection Programs. All VPP programs are completely voluntary and are up to each employer if they would like to take part in the program. OSHA VPP was created in 1982. The aim behind VPP is to go above and beyond OSHA's standards and regulations. Companies that decide to create a Voluntary Protection Program must develop an extensive safety program of their own. Companies who meet OSHA VPP requirements and start their own VPP program, on an average see a 50% drop in the rate of accidents in their businesses. If you decide to create a Voluntary protection Program for your business, OSHA will not cite you citations as long as any violations are corrected immediately.

Any company that is covered under OSHA or any federal government agency meets OSHA VPP Requirements. In order for a company to take part in VPP, they must prove they are dedicated to improving safety within the work place and are willing to be an example of safety to other companies within the same field. The company must put forth their own safety program that involves both employees and management. Management should always look for ways to improve on their VPP. It is necessary that each year a self evaluation is done in each business to find areas that need attention. Once areas are identified the proper actions need to be taken. Companies that meet OSHA VPP regulations are used as examples to other companies, but they are not above the laws of OSHA.

Once A Voluntary Protection Program Is Setup

Once a company develops a Voluntary Protection Program, that promotes both the safety of the work place and their employees, OSHA will look over the plan and will do regular evaluations to make sure the company is sticking to their plan. The main idea behind any Voluntary Protection Program should always be improving on safety measures. OSHA also has a star program when it comes to dealing with VPP. OSHA VPP requirements for the star program are as followed. Your program must be of the highest quality and stand out among your industry. In order to take part in the star program your company must be below average in work related injuries. Your company must take special care to make sure that all work hazards are at a bare minimum. Every three to five years OSHA will come in an reevaluate your company to make sure you still meet the OSHA VPP requirements for the star program. Merit is also another program offered by OSHA that follows the same guidelines. Under OSHA VPP requirements for merit, your company most have a good safety program in place, that is still in need of a little improvement. Companies that are in the merit program strive to be in the star program within the following three years. Merit members are only allowed to be in the program for one term of three years.

In order for a company to take part in VPP, they must submit an application. Once the application is received OSHA will do a review of the company to see if they meet all OSHA VPP requirements. When OSHA comes to inspect the company, inspections can take up to four days. OSHA will conduct meets with staff members and management, they will look over all aspects of the proposed program, and they will do a complete inspection of the business. Once all this is done, OSHA will sit down with management and talk about their findings and the areas that need improving. If the company meets all OSHA VPP requirements they will be excepted into the program. If you have been part of OSHA VPP for a few years you may qualify to serve as a member of the board.

VPP Contacts and Regulations

For each business that decides to run a Voluntary Protection Program, OSHA will supply them with a contact person. Their job will be to guide and assist the company to make sure all OSHA VPP requirements are being meet. Even if your company is a VPP member, OSHA will still conduct inspections dealing with any type of work place safety under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. If your state is covered under OSHA, than your state will have a VPP program. For more information on this topic or other safety topics, check out the OSHA Website.

OSHA's Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) Summary

OSHA's Voluntary Protection Programs are established and designed to recognize and also promote the most effective program setups to benefit workplace health and safety. Requirements for a worksite, participating in a VPP could include a few of the following:

Please be made aware that the exact requirements may vary or change depending on the specific program and regs pertaining to you and your company.

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