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OSHA seeking public comments on modernizing Voluntary Protection Program

Dear VPPPA Members and Stakeholders,

Today, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published and requested participation in the agency’s VPP Modernization Survey. The purpose of this survey is to gather feedback on OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program and potential changes that could be implemented to “modernize, improve and expand the various pathways that employers can establish and improve their safety and health programs, with the pinnacle being Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP).”

This is a comprehensive survey that addresses a wide range of potential changes and enhancements to the program, including:

  • Incentives to participate in VPP;
  • Eligibility criteria;
  • Use of leading indicator metrics to measure SHMS performance;
  • Recognition of consensus standards and other safety & health management systems as components of VPP’s overall SHMS; and
  • Use of third parties to conduct application reviews and audits.

We view this survey as an integral part in achieving our mission and encourage every member, Star site, and those seeking to implement the VPP to take the necessary time to respond to this important survey.

VPPPA works alongside our partners at OSHA to identify ways to enhance the value and impact of VPP as part of our mission to advance health & safety excellence. Because of our relationship with OSHA and our vested interest in the VPP, we will be preparing and publishing a response to the survey.

We appreciate OSHA’s engagement with VPPPA and look forward to continuing our collaboration to advance health and safety excellence.

Sincerely,

Terry Schulte

Director, Safety & Operational Excellence – NuStar Energy LP

Chairperson; VPPPA Board of Directors


Additional details regarding the Voluntary Protection Program’s modernization project can be found in the news release published February 16, 2023, on OSHA’s website.

Download the full news release from the U.S. Department of Labor.