What is OSHAs Voluntary Protection Program?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Voluntary Protection Programs (VPPs) recognize companies that have safety and health systems that go above and beyond the required levels of OSHA compliance.

There are two levels of VPP status: VPP Star programs and VPP Merit programs. Star program participants meet all VPP requirements; Merit program participants have demonstrated the potential and willingness to achieve Star program status.

In the VPP, management, labor, and OSHA work together to establish a cooperative relationship at a workplace that has already implemented a strong safety program. The VPP concept recognizes that compliance with OSHA regulations alone can never fully achieve the objectives of the OSH Act; effective safety management programs that go beyond OSHA standards can protect workers more effectively than simple compliance.

Some key steps in the VPP process include the following:

1. Management agrees to operate an effective safety and health program that meets an established set of criteria.
2. Employees agree to participate in the program, and to work with management to ensure a safe and healthful workplace.
3. OSHA initially verifies that the program meets VPP criteria. They then publicly recognize the site’s exemplary program, and remove the site from routine scheduled inspection lists.
4. OSHA periodically reassesses the site’s program (every three years for the Star program, and every year for the Merit Program) to ensure that it continues to meet VPP criteria.

Companies that meet the criteria for VPP programs are still subject to OSHA investigations in the event of major workplace accidents, valid formal employee complaints, and chemical spills.