OSHA Voluntary Protection Programs

Participation exempts a worksite from OSHA's programmed inspections. However, participation is reserved for very special worksites. 

•Do you have an effective safety and health program? 

•Are your injury and/or illness rate lower than the average for your industry? 

•Do managers and employees work together to prevent accidents and eliminate Hazards? 

•Would you like to develop a more cooperative relationship with OSHA?  

If so, your company may be a candidate for one of OSHA's Voluntary Protection Programs -- Star, Merit or the Demonstration Program. Designed to augment OSHA's enforcement efforts, these programs encourage and recognize excellence in occupational safety and health. Only those companies, which demonstrate commitment to workplace safety and health beyond the requirements of the OSHA standards -- especially at senior management levels -- are eligible. 

General Requirements  

To qualify, you must have an effective, ongoing safety and health program. A strong safety and health program exemplifies commitment to the prevention of occupational illness and injury beyond satisfying the requirements of OSHA standards. It is the central element, which qualifies a company for participation in the Voluntary Protection Programs. Companies participating in Merit and Star are expected to have comprehensive programs including elements such as employee participation and annual comprehensive self-evaluation. OSHA assesses the effectiveness of the program through a number of measures including on-site review.  

Cooperation  

A cooperative atmosphere is essential to make voluntary protection work. Construction companies are required to use a labor-management approach, which includes joint labor-management safety and health committees. General industry sites may use some other form of employee participation. Companies must demonstrate that the collective bargaining agent(s) representing their employees, if any, has (have) no objection to the company's participation. It is important under all Voluntary Protection Programs that both employers and employees recognize that they retain their rights and responsibilities under the Occupational Safety and Health Act.  

Good performance  

Although performance levels required vary with the individual Voluntary Protection Program, the company must demonstrate that its efforts are working to minimize injury and illness in the workplace. Two indicators are the Bureau of Labor Statistics injury incidence and lost workday injury rates. In addition, the company must have demonstrated good faith in any previous dealings 

with OSHA.  

Star Program  

Open to any industry, Star is targeted for a company with comprehensive, successful safety and health programs. Companies that are in the forefront of employee protection as indicated by three-year average incidence and lost workday case rates at or below the national average for their industry may participate. They must also meet requirements for extensive management systems. Because of the changing nature of the worksite, construction firms must maintain strong employee participation in their programs. Star participants are evaluated every three years, although their incident rates are reviewed annually.