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Voluntary Protection ProgramsBased on a cooperative relationship between management, labor and government, the Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) management system promotes worker protection, requiring active employee involvement and management commitment. The VPP process emphasizes the continual identification and elimination of hazards. Operated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), OSHA state-plan states and the Department of Energy (DOE), VPP is designed to promote excellence in safety and health by recognizing facilities with outstanding occupational safety and health management systems. As of July 2009, the map of VPP participation shows 2,277 sites and 921,683 employees covered by VPP across the U.S. Through stakeholder comments the association works to preserve the integrity and effectiveness of VPP. The VPPPA supports the agencies that balances firm, fair and consistent enforcement with voluntary cooperative efforts. To further support sites interested in pursuing VPP participation, the association offers the award-winning VPPPA Mentoring Program and the VPP Application Workshop®. Benefits of VPP Participation
Occupational Safety and Health Administration VPPAdopted on July 2, 1982, OSHA's VPP recognizes worksites that have achieved and are maintaining excellence in worker safety and health protection through cooperation among government, industry and labor. The VPP is composed of three different programs:
A site that applies for participation in the VPP must submit a written application that addresses the major elements of the program: management leadership and employee involvement; worksite analysis; hazard prevention and control; and safety and health training. An onsite review by OSHA officials to evaluate the workplace safety and health program and to interview employees at the facility is the final stage of the application process. Further information regarding OSHA's VPP can be found on the Agency's Web site at www.osha.gov/dcsp/vpp/index.html. Department of Energy (DOE) VPPIn 1994, DOE developed and implemented DOE-VPP, which is closely modeled on the OSHA programs. The DOE-VPP is identical to the OSHA VPP except that participation is open to contractors employed at DOE-owned facilities.The association works with DOE employees in national and regional offices to promote the Department's VPP. DOE officials regularly attend and participate in VPPPA conferences, workshops and meetings. State-Plan-State VPPSection 18 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 encourages states to develop and operate their own job safety and health programs. Currently, 22 states and jurisdictions operate complete state-plans (covering private sector and state and local government employees) and five (CT, IL, NJ, NY and VI) which cover public employees only.VPP programs offered by the state-plan states must be at least as effective as federal VPP programs. |
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If you have questions about the Voluntary Protection Programs Participants' Association (VPPPA), please e-mail Administration. | ||||||