OSHA seeks comment on ways to modernize and improve VPP

Washington — OSHA is asking for input on how it can modernize, improve and expand its Voluntary Protection Programs. 

Since 1982, VPP has recognized workplaces that practice exemplary safety and health management. Applicants undergo a “rigorous” onsite assessment and, if accepted into the program, are exempt from planned OSHA inspections. However, VPP “has stretched OSHA resources and made it more difficult to ensure the quality of program applicants’ safety and health management systems,” the agency says in a Feb. 16 press release.

Specifically, OSHA is seeking comment on:

• Aligning VPP more closely with current occupational safety and health management practices and system standards.
• How the program can contribute to expanding the use and effectiveness of safety and health management systems.
• Whether and how resources and tools such as special government employees, consensus standards, third-party auditors and other methods could serve to expand the program’s capacity without compromising its effectiveness and oversight.  
• Whether certain kinds of hazards need special attention in the VPP certification process.

Overall, OSHA is asking 41 questions – divided into 10 sections – “to elicit useful responses to support the project’s aims.” 

Comments are due April 14.