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.
