What are the Voluntary Protection Programs?

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The Voluntary Protection Programs, or VPPs, recognize and promote effective safety and health program management. Companies in the VPP have strong safety and health programs, implemented and managed cooperatively by their management and labor forces in cooperation with OSHA. Sites approved for VPP's three programs - Star, Merit, and Demonstration - meet and maintain rigorous standards. Benefits to participants include the following:

• Lost-workday case rates generally 60 to 80 percent below industry averages;
• Reduced workers' compensation and other injury- and illness related costs;
• Improved employee motivation to work safely, leading to better quality and productivity;
• Positive community recognition and interaction;
• Further improvement and revitalization of already good safety and health programs; and
• Partnership with OSHA.

For more information, contact the VPP manager in your OSHA regional office, visit OSHA's website, or see Appendix 1 for a list of telephone numbers.