Improved workplace safety and health

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 54 views

The Voluntary Protection Program (VPP): A Comprehensive Guide for Employers

The Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) is a prestigious recognition program offered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to employers who demonstrate exceptional commitment to workplace safety and health. Launched in 1972, the VPP aims to promote a culture of safety and health in the workplace, reducing injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. In this article, we will delve into the details of the VPP, its benefits, and eligibility criteria.

What is the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP)?

The VPP is a voluntary program that recognizes employers who have implemented effective safety and health management systems, resulting in injury and illness rates below the national average. The program is open to employers in all industries where OSHA has jurisdiction, including construction, manufacturing, healthcare, and more. The VPP is not a certification program, but rather a recognition program that acknowledges employers who have demonstrated a commitment to workplace safety and health.

Benefits of the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP)

Employers who participate in the VPP can reap numerous benefits, including:

Improved workplace safety and health: The VPP encourages employers to implement effective safety and health management systems, reducing the risk of injuries, illnesses, and fatalities.
Enhanced reputation: VPP recognition can enhance an employer's reputation, attracting top talent and improving customer confidence.
Increased productivity: A safe and healthy work environment can lead to increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, and improved employee morale.
Cost savings: By reducing injuries and illnesses, employers can save money on workers' compensation claims, medical expenses, and lost productivity.
Access to OSHA resources: VPP participants have access to OSHA resources, including training, technical assistance, and expertise.

Eligibility Criteria for the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP)

To be eligible for the VPP, employers must meet the following criteria:

Be an employer in an industry where OSHA has jurisdiction: The VPP is open to employers in all industries where OSHA has jurisdiction, including construction, manufacturing, healthcare, and more.
Have a safety and health management system in place: Employers must have a comprehensive safety and health management system that includes policies, procedures, and training programs.
Demonstrate a commitment to workplace safety and health: Employers must demonstrate a commitment to workplace safety and health, including a culture of safety and health.
Have a low injury and illness rate: Employers must have an injury and illness rate below the national average.

The VPP Star Program

The VPP Star Program is a recognition program that acknowledges employers who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to workplace safety and health. The program is based on a star rating system, with employers earning one to four stars based on their performance.

One star: Employers who have demonstrated a commitment to workplace safety and health, but have not yet achieved a low injury and illness rate.
Two stars: Employers who have achieved a low injury and illness rate, but have not yet demonstrated exceptional commitment to workplace safety and health.
Three stars: Employers who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to workplace safety and health, including a culture of safety and health.
Four stars: Employers who have achieved the highest level of commitment to workplace safety and health, including a culture of safety and health and a low injury and illness rate.

How to Apply for the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP)

Employers who are interested in applying for the VPP can follow these steps:

Contact OSHA: Employers should contact OSHA to express their interest in the VPP and to request an application package.
Complete the application package: Employers must complete the application package, which includes providing information about their safety and health management system, injury and illness rates, and commitment to workplace safety and health.
Submit the application package: Employers must submit the application package to OSHA for review.
Participate in the VPP process: Employers who are selected for the VPP must participate in the VPP process, including regular site visits and evaluations.

The Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) is a prestigious recognition program offered by OSHA to employers who demonstrate exceptional commitment to workplace safety and health. The program is open to employers in all industries where OSHA has jurisdiction, including construction, manufacturing, healthcare, and more. By participating in the VPP, employers can improve workplace safety and health, enhance their reputation, increase productivity, and save money on workers' compensation claims, medical expenses, and lost productivity. Employers who are interested in applying for the VPP can follow the steps outlined above.
The Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Q&A: Frequently Asked Questions

The Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) is a prestigious recognition program offered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to employers who demonstrate exceptional commitment to workplace safety and health. In this article, we will answer frequently asked questions about the VPP, providing employers with a better understanding of the program and its benefits.

Q: What is the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP)?

A: The VPP is a voluntary program that recognizes employers who have implemented effective safety and health management systems, resulting in injury and illness rates below the national average.

Q: Who is eligible for the VPP?

A: The VPP is open to employers in all industries where OSHA has jurisdiction, including construction, manufacturing, healthcare, and more.

Q: What are the benefits of participating in the VPP?

A: Employers who participate in the VPP can reap numerous benefits, including improved workplace safety and health, enhanced reputation, increased productivity, cost savings, and access to OSHA resources.

Q: How do I apply for the VPP?

A: Employers who are interested in applying for the VPP can follow these steps:

Contact OSHA: Employers should contact OSHA to express their interest in the VPP and to request an application package.
Complete the application package: Employers must complete the application package, which includes providing information about their safety and health management system, injury and illness rates, and commitment to workplace safety and health.
Submit the application package: Employers must submit the application package to OSHA for review.
Participate in the VPP process: Employers who are selected for the VPP must participate in the VPP process, including regular site visits and evaluations.

Q: What is the VPP Star Program?

A: The VPP Star Program is a recognition program that acknowledges employers who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to workplace safety and health. The program is based on a star rating system, with employers earning one to four stars based on their performance.

Q: How do I know if my company is eligible for the VPP?

A: Employers who are interested in applying for the VPP should contact OSHA to determine if their company is eligible. OSHA will review the company's safety and health management system, injury and illness rates, and commitment to workplace safety and health to determine eligibility.

Q: What is the cost of participating in the VPP?

A: There is no cost to participate in the VPP. However, employers who are selected for the VPP must participate in the VPP process, including regular site visits and evaluations.

Q: How long does it take to become a VPP participant?

A: The time it takes to become a VPP participant can vary depending on the complexity of the application package and the review process. On average, it can take several months to a year or more to become a VPP participant.

Q: What are the requirements for maintaining VPP status?

A: Employers who are selected for the VPP must maintain a high level of commitment to workplace safety and health, including regular site visits and evaluations. Employers must also continue to implement effective safety and health management systems and maintain a low injury and illness rate.

Q: Can I withdraw from the VPP at any time?

A: Yes, employers can withdraw from the VPP at any time. However, employers who withdraw from the VPP may not be eligible to reapply for a period of time.

The Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) is a prestigious recognition program offered by OSHA to employers who demonstrate exceptional commitment to workplace safety and health. By participating in the VPP, employers can improve workplace safety and health, enhance their reputation, increase productivity, and save money on workers' compensation claims, medical expenses, and lost productivity. Employers who are interested in applying for the VPP can follow the steps outlined above and contact OSHA for more information.