New OSHA voluntary protection program targets mobile construction workforce
New OSHA voluntary protection program targets mobile construction workforce
OSHA's Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) for the mobile construction workforce and short-term projects is designed to prevent injuries, illnesses,and fatalities by enabling the agency to work with companies to demonstrate the effectiveness of methods for achieving excellence in health and safety management systems. The construction program has the flexibility of allowing the testing of alternative approaches to current VPP requirements with the goal of exploring the feasibility of permanently establishing new levels and types of participation in VPP. It also permits participation at company, division, or business unit levels.
In the VPP, management, labor, and OSHA establish cooperative relationships at workplaces that have implemented a comprehensive safety and health management system. Approval into VPP is OSHA's official recognition of the outstanding efforts of employers and employees who have achieved exemplary occupational safety and health. OSHA approves qualified sites to one of three programs:
1 Star.
2 Merit.
3 Star demonstration: recognition for worksites that address unique safety and health issues.
Sites that make the grade must submit annual self-evaluations and undergo periodic onsite reevaluations to remain in the programs.
For further information: www.occupationalhazards.com/articles/15439;www.osha.gov/dcsp/vpp/index.html
