What is the Voluntary Protection Program?

Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) is a cooperative compliance program. VPP was initiated by OSHA in 1982 as a way of encouraging companies to exceed minimum OSHA safety requirements. VPP is designed to recognize and promote effective safety and health management and to provide candidates with a mechanism for obtaining a desired performance.

The VPP concept recognizes that enforcement of safety regulations alone can never fully achieve the objectives of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Good safety management programs that go beyond OSHA standards can protect employees more effectively than simple compliance.

VPP is NOT "just another program," it is really a "process" that defines a single system and structured approach to help achieve the goal of working more safely. VPP has been described as both an "umbrella" and as a "roadmap," focusing on four key areas necessary to have a comprehensive safety and health program. Those key areas are:

• Management Leadership and Employee Involvement
• Worksite Analysis
• Hazard Prevention and Control
• Safety and Health Training

VPP Participants are a select group of facilities nationwide that have designed and implemented outstanding safety and health management programs. Through work with VPP Participants, Oregon-OSHA can show that:

• Effectively operating safety and health programs prevent injuries and illnesses by controlling hazards and improving work practices;
   
• Employee involvement in developing and maintaining safety and health programs improves productivity;
   
• Empowering employees improves their self-respect, and increasing employees' responsibilities makes them feel and act more responsible; and
   
• Effective safety and health management systems produce lasting results.

Where can I get more information?

Additional information, documents, and news releases

If you have questions, please direct them to:
Mark E. Hurliman, Certified Safety & Health Manager (CSHM)
VPP/SHARP Program Manager, (541) 776-6016, mark.e.hurliman@state.or.us

The Oregon-OSHA Voluntary Protection Program Guidelines and Application Packet can be downloaded directly from this web site or obtained from the Oregon-OSHA VPP Program Manager at:

OR-OSHA Medford Office
1840 Barnett Road, Suite D
Medford OR 97504-8250
(541) 776-6016
Fax: (541) 776-6246

Annual Region X VPPPA Conference Information