Safe Workplace and Safety News
This is the safety news blog for the Safe Workplace web site. We cover workplace safety related news with a focus on how safety, or a lack of safety, impacts employers, employees and their families. We also cover topics such as safety training, safety tools, and legal issues related to safety. For regular safety news and information enter your email address in the box above the Subscribe button to the right (then click on the button).
Thursday, July 23, 2009
OSHA to Re-evaluate VPP
An article in yesterday's Industry Week reports that a new review by the GAO of 30 OSHA Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) sites that had fatalities, found that there was no recorded action taken by the appropriate VPP staff.
The article states:
"The Occupational Safety and Health Administration concluded it did not adequately address findings in a 2004 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report that found OSHA lacked sufficient internal controls to ensure that only qualified worksites participated in its safety recognition program."
"OSHA said it will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of its VPP and Alliance programs to determine how the agency should best allocate its resources among cooperative programs, enforcement and the agency's other activities."
Read the complete article.
The article states:
"The Occupational Safety and Health Administration concluded it did not adequately address findings in a 2004 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report that found OSHA lacked sufficient internal controls to ensure that only qualified worksites participated in its safety recognition program."
"OSHA said it will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of its VPP and Alliance programs to determine how the agency should best allocate its resources among cooperative programs, enforcement and the agency's other activities."
Read the complete article.
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Tuesday, June 23, 2009
OSHA Begins Evaluation of VPP
OSHA has announced that it will address problems identified in its Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) in response to a new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, OSHA's Voluntary Protection Programs: Improved Oversight and Controls Would Better Ensure Program Quality. The report recommends improved oversight and additional controls to ensure participating companies maintain effective workplace safety and health management systems.
OSHA also has announced that it will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of its VPP and Alliance Program to determine how the agency should best allocate its resources among cooperative programs, enforcement and the agency's other activities.
Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Jordan Barab said he agrees with recommendations made in the GAO report. GAO's analysis recommended that OSHA strengthen the program's oversight activity, documentation and other aspects of program operations and impact to ensure consistency and adherence to existing OSHA policies and procedures. VPP participation encompasses more than 2,200 worksites covering more than 800,000 workers.
"We will thoroughly review the VPP and Alliance Program to determine their effectiveness as well as review the programs' roles in helping the agency promote the safety and health of America's workers," said Barab.
He noted that OSHA had not adequately addressed the findings of the GAO's 2004 report, OSHA's Voluntary Compliance Strategies Show Promising Results, But Should Be Fully Evaluated Before They Are Expanded. "The report noted that OSHA had not fully evaluated the effectiveness of its cooperative programs and was therefore 'limited in its ability to make a sound decision about how best to allocate its resources,'" said Barab. "Our evaluation of these programs in the context of OSHA's limited resources will help ensure that OSHA will be able to reprioritize these resources in the most effective manner."
To address the most recent GAO report's findings and recommendations about the VPP, OSHA will review and address problems including program management and oversight policies and procedures; documentation policy for actions taken in response to fatalities and serious injuries at VPP sites; and goals and performance measures for the VPP and internal OSHA controls that ensure consistent compliance with VPP policies by the agency's regional offices.
Related past posts:
VPP Tools
OSHA's Problem
Advantages of VPP
OSHA also has announced that it will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of its VPP and Alliance Program to determine how the agency should best allocate its resources among cooperative programs, enforcement and the agency's other activities.
Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Jordan Barab said he agrees with recommendations made in the GAO report. GAO's analysis recommended that OSHA strengthen the program's oversight activity, documentation and other aspects of program operations and impact to ensure consistency and adherence to existing OSHA policies and procedures. VPP participation encompasses more than 2,200 worksites covering more than 800,000 workers.
"We will thoroughly review the VPP and Alliance Program to determine their effectiveness as well as review the programs' roles in helping the agency promote the safety and health of America's workers," said Barab.
He noted that OSHA had not adequately addressed the findings of the GAO's 2004 report, OSHA's Voluntary Compliance Strategies Show Promising Results, But Should Be Fully Evaluated Before They Are Expanded. "The report noted that OSHA had not fully evaluated the effectiveness of its cooperative programs and was therefore 'limited in its ability to make a sound decision about how best to allocate its resources,'" said Barab. "Our evaluation of these programs in the context of OSHA's limited resources will help ensure that OSHA will be able to reprioritize these resources in the most effective manner."
To address the most recent GAO report's findings and recommendations about the VPP, OSHA will review and address problems including program management and oversight policies and procedures; documentation policy for actions taken in response to fatalities and serious injuries at VPP sites; and goals and performance measures for the VPP and internal OSHA controls that ensure consistent compliance with VPP policies by the agency's regional offices.
Related past posts:
VPP Tools
OSHA's Problem
Advantages of VPP
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Monday, June 01, 2009
OSHA Confirms VPP To Continue
The following is a press release from the Voluntary Protection Programs Participants’ Association, Inc. (VPPPA)
VPPPA has received confirmation from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Acting Assistant Secretary for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Jordan Barab, that OSHA is not suspending the Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP).
VPPPA has received confirmation from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Acting Assistant Secretary for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Jordan Barab, that OSHA is not suspending the Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP).
Recent media coverage of Acting Assistant Secretary Barab’s statement on April 30, 2009, before the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Workforce Protections has caused some confusion for VPP sites and the safety and health community. He stated that, “We need to better utilize the resources that we already have. In order to direct more of OSHA’s existing resources into enforcement and to provide time to address concerns in an upcoming GAO Report on the efficacy of OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program, I have informed the field staff that we will suspend the previous administration’s practice of establishing goals for new Voluntary Protection Program sites and Alliances.”
In response to the resulting confusion, Acting Assistant Secretary Barab called VPPPA’s Executive Director R. Davis Layne and assured him that OSHA is not suspending VPP. Indicated changes represent a shift in focus toward enforcement but do not equate to an elimination of OSHA’s VPP. In the course of the conversation, Barab accepted an invitation to attend the association’s 25th Annual National VPPPA Conference in San Antonio, Texas, August 24-27, 2009, and address the anticipated 2,500 attendees.
VPPPA, Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization, is dedicated to promoting advances in worker safety and health excellence through cooperation among communities, workers, industries and governments. The nearly 2,000 VPPPA member sites primarily consist of worksites that have been approved, or are seeking approval, into VPP as administered by OSHA, state-plan OSHA and the Department of Energy.
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Monday, January 12, 2009
OSHA Revises Its Voluntary Protection Programs
OSHA formalizes two new ways to participate in the VPP.
On Friday OSHA published the final changes to its Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) in the Federal Register. Among other enhancements, the changes allow participation by companies with mobile workforces.
The VPP, the agency's recognition initiative for workplace safety and health excellence, will provide new options for construction contractors and other employers who may have employees at various locations. Other VPP changes for eligible organizations include a streamlined application process, outreach and mentoring, and onsite workplace evaluations.
"OSHA is proud to recognize the outstanding efforts of employers and employees who have achieved exemplary occupational safety and health," said acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Thomas M. Stohler. "These program revisions will allow more companies to participate in the VPP, which has contributed to improved workplace safety. Since 2001, participation in the VPP has increased almost 200 percent. During that same period, there has been a 14 percent decrease in workplace fatalities. Establishing partnerships and encouraging continual process improvement are part of OSHA's balanced approach to workplace safety and health."
The VPP was established in 1982 to recognize employers and employees who focus on the prevention of injuries, illnesses and fatalities through the implementation of effective safety and health management systems. Currently, there are 2,161 federal and state plan VPP participants.
Changes to the VPP are effective May 9. For more information on the VPP and these latest revisions, contact the nearest OSHA area or regional office or the OSHA National Office, Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs, at 202-693-2213. The Federal Register notice can be found at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-165.htm.
On Friday OSHA published the final changes to its Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) in the Federal Register. Among other enhancements, the changes allow participation by companies with mobile workforces.
The VPP, the agency's recognition initiative for workplace safety and health excellence, will provide new options for construction contractors and other employers who may have employees at various locations. Other VPP changes for eligible organizations include a streamlined application process, outreach and mentoring, and onsite workplace evaluations.
"OSHA is proud to recognize the outstanding efforts of employers and employees who have achieved exemplary occupational safety and health," said acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Thomas M. Stohler. "These program revisions will allow more companies to participate in the VPP, which has contributed to improved workplace safety. Since 2001, participation in the VPP has increased almost 200 percent. During that same period, there has been a 14 percent decrease in workplace fatalities. Establishing partnerships and encouraging continual process improvement are part of OSHA's balanced approach to workplace safety and health."
The VPP was established in 1982 to recognize employers and employees who focus on the prevention of injuries, illnesses and fatalities through the implementation of effective safety and health management systems. Currently, there are 2,161 federal and state plan VPP participants.
Changes to the VPP are effective May 9. For more information on the VPP and these latest revisions, contact the nearest OSHA area or regional office or the OSHA National Office, Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs, at 202-693-2213. The Federal Register notice can be found at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-165.htm.
Labels: OSHA, VPP, VPP Implementation
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Thursday, November 01, 2007
Cincinnati Facility Earns OSHA VPP Star Certification
The following is a press release issued yesterday.
Clean Harbors' Cincinnati Facility Earns OSHA VPP Star Certification - Third Clean Harbors Location to be Recognized for Superior Health & Safety Awareness
Norwell, MA - Clean Harbors Environmental Services, Inc., the leading provider of environmental and hazardous waste management services throughout North America, today announced that its Cincinnati, Ohio (Spring Grove Resource Recovery) facility has received a "Star" designation from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Voluntary Protection Program (VPP).
The Cincinnati Spring Grove location is Clean Harbors' third Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility (TSDF) to receive this prestigious recognition from OSHA. Clean Harbors' Lone Mountain facility in Oklahoma was the first TSDF in the country to be recognized with this award in 2005, followed by the Clean Harbors Reidsville, North Carolina TSDF in 2006. Clean Harbors' TSDFs are the nation's only TSDFs to receive this certification.
Spring Grove's total recordable incidence rate (TRIR) has steadily declined each year since 2003 and the facility's rate was zero in 2006. As defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, TRIR measures the total number of recordable injuries and illness cases per 100 full-time employees that a site has experienced in a given time frame.
"It is a privilege to work with a team of employees that is committed to elevating workplace safety and health programs, which ultimately works for everyone's benefit," said Andrew Hudson, General Manager for Clean Harbors Spring Grove Resource Recovery. "VPP status can only be achieved through a team effort that requires everyone in the plant to contribute. Each co-worker has played an integral role in this three-year endeavor: attending safety meetings, providing feedback to management, improving their individual safety performance, and looking out for their co-workers. Our facility also received unparalleled support from our corporate staff, emphasizing Clean Harbors' desire for continuous safety improvement and culture of protecting its employees' health and safety."
The VPP Star Program is a comprehensive health and safety process that requires employee involvement, management support, and cooperation with OSHA. Star facilities demonstrate a strong safety culture from both management and employees who ensure a safe and healthful workplace environment. Additionally, facilities that are awarded the certification have occupational injury and illness incidence rates below the state and national averages for companies within the same industry classification. "Congratulations to each and every employee at the Clean Harbors Spring Grove Resource Recovery facility for their participation, dedication, and achievement in being recognized as an OSHA Star. It was truly a collaborative effort," Hudson concluded.
The Spring Grove Resource Recovery location is a commercial hazardous waste management facility primarily engaged in receiving hazardous waste generated off-site for on-site treatment or consolidation and temporary storage while in transit to a final treatment, recycling, or disposal site.
About Clean Harbors Environmental Services, Inc.
Clean Harbors Environmental Services, Inc. is North America's leading provider of environmental and hazardous waste management services. With an unmatched infrastructure of 49 waste management facilities, including nine landfills, six incineration locations and six wastewater treatment centers, the Company provides essential services to over 45,000 customers, including more than 325 Fortune 500 companies, thousands of smaller private entities and numerous federal, state and local governmental agencies. Headquartered in Norwell, Massachusetts, Clean Harbors has more than 100 locations strategically positioned throughout North America in 36 U.S. states, six Canadian provinces, Mexico and Puerto Rico. For more information, visit www.cleanharbors.com.
Clean Harbors' Cincinnati Facility Earns OSHA VPP Star Certification - Third Clean Harbors Location to be Recognized for Superior Health & Safety Awareness
Norwell, MA - Clean Harbors Environmental Services, Inc., the leading provider of environmental and hazardous waste management services throughout North America, today announced that its Cincinnati, Ohio (Spring Grove Resource Recovery) facility has received a "Star" designation from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Voluntary Protection Program (VPP).
The Cincinnati Spring Grove location is Clean Harbors' third Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility (TSDF) to receive this prestigious recognition from OSHA. Clean Harbors' Lone Mountain facility in Oklahoma was the first TSDF in the country to be recognized with this award in 2005, followed by the Clean Harbors Reidsville, North Carolina TSDF in 2006. Clean Harbors' TSDFs are the nation's only TSDFs to receive this certification.
Spring Grove's total recordable incidence rate (TRIR) has steadily declined each year since 2003 and the facility's rate was zero in 2006. As defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, TRIR measures the total number of recordable injuries and illness cases per 100 full-time employees that a site has experienced in a given time frame.
"It is a privilege to work with a team of employees that is committed to elevating workplace safety and health programs, which ultimately works for everyone's benefit," said Andrew Hudson, General Manager for Clean Harbors Spring Grove Resource Recovery. "VPP status can only be achieved through a team effort that requires everyone in the plant to contribute. Each co-worker has played an integral role in this three-year endeavor: attending safety meetings, providing feedback to management, improving their individual safety performance, and looking out for their co-workers. Our facility also received unparalleled support from our corporate staff, emphasizing Clean Harbors' desire for continuous safety improvement and culture of protecting its employees' health and safety."
The VPP Star Program is a comprehensive health and safety process that requires employee involvement, management support, and cooperation with OSHA. Star facilities demonstrate a strong safety culture from both management and employees who ensure a safe and healthful workplace environment. Additionally, facilities that are awarded the certification have occupational injury and illness incidence rates below the state and national averages for companies within the same industry classification. "Congratulations to each and every employee at the Clean Harbors Spring Grove Resource Recovery facility for their participation, dedication, and achievement in being recognized as an OSHA Star. It was truly a collaborative effort," Hudson concluded.
The Spring Grove Resource Recovery location is a commercial hazardous waste management facility primarily engaged in receiving hazardous waste generated off-site for on-site treatment or consolidation and temporary storage while in transit to a final treatment, recycling, or disposal site.
About Clean Harbors Environmental Services, Inc.
Clean Harbors Environmental Services, Inc. is North America's leading provider of environmental and hazardous waste management services. With an unmatched infrastructure of 49 waste management facilities, including nine landfills, six incineration locations and six wastewater treatment centers, the Company provides essential services to over 45,000 customers, including more than 325 Fortune 500 companies, thousands of smaller private entities and numerous federal, state and local governmental agencies. Headquartered in Norwell, Massachusetts, Clean Harbors has more than 100 locations strategically positioned throughout North America in 36 U.S. states, six Canadian provinces, Mexico and Puerto Rico. For more information, visit www.cleanharbors.com.
Labels: VPP
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Friday, September 14, 2007
Wisconsin Power Constructors' Port Washington Generating Project Earns Star Status
Wisconsin Power Constructors, a Washington Group International subsidiary, has earned OSHA's VPP Star status for its work on a power plant project in Wisconsin, and the project has surpassed two million hours worked without a days-away injury.
The company's construction performance at the Wisconsin Energy Port Washington Generating Station near Milwaukee has been awarded "Star" status in OSHA's Voluntary Protection Program (VPP). Star status is the highest level available under the program, which recognizes exemplary work sites with comprehensive, successful safety and health management systems.
Wisconsin Power Constructors is providing engineering, procurement, and construction services for a 545-megawatt, combined-cycle facility in Port Washington. The firm completed a similar plant at the site in 2005.
"Designation as a VPP Star site is recognition of sustained excellence in all areas of our safety and health management system," said Brad Giles, Washington Group International's vice president for environmental safety and health. "Other Washington Group sites have also achieved VPP Star status."
OSHA's review of the Port Washington site highlighted several "areas of excellence," including employee integration into site inspections and exemplary owner, management, and craft worker relationships.
"Safety is at the core of Washington Group's values and work practices and is a critical part of successful project performance," said Lou Pardi, president of the company's Power Business Unit, headquartered in Princeton, N.J. "The safety of our workers is always of paramount importance, and we welcome this recognition of our commitment -- and the commitment of our client -- to continue achieving excellence."
Workers at the site, where 100 to 200 crane lifts occur daily, recently surpassed two million hours worked without a days-away injury. All employees are trained and mentored in an extensive safety program, and ongoing meetings and inspections help ensure adherence to established procedures. Approximately 400 union employees work at the project that is scheduled for completion in mid-2008.
At the corporate level, in 2006, Washington Group International became the fifth organization in the United States to be inducted into OSHA's VPP Corporate Pilot Program, joining Georgia-Pacific, International Paper, the U.S. Postal Service, and Dow Chemical Company.
Washington Group International, headquartered in Boise, Idaho, has more than $3 billion in annual revenue and employs approximately 25,000 people at work around the world providing solutions in power, environmental management, defense, oil and gas processing, mining, industrial facilities, transportation, and water resources.
The company's construction performance at the Wisconsin Energy Port Washington Generating Station near Milwaukee has been awarded "Star" status in OSHA's Voluntary Protection Program (VPP). Star status is the highest level available under the program, which recognizes exemplary work sites with comprehensive, successful safety and health management systems.
Wisconsin Power Constructors is providing engineering, procurement, and construction services for a 545-megawatt, combined-cycle facility in Port Washington. The firm completed a similar plant at the site in 2005.
"Designation as a VPP Star site is recognition of sustained excellence in all areas of our safety and health management system," said Brad Giles, Washington Group International's vice president for environmental safety and health. "Other Washington Group sites have also achieved VPP Star status."
OSHA's review of the Port Washington site highlighted several "areas of excellence," including employee integration into site inspections and exemplary owner, management, and craft worker relationships.
"Safety is at the core of Washington Group's values and work practices and is a critical part of successful project performance," said Lou Pardi, president of the company's Power Business Unit, headquartered in Princeton, N.J. "The safety of our workers is always of paramount importance, and we welcome this recognition of our commitment -- and the commitment of our client -- to continue achieving excellence."
Workers at the site, where 100 to 200 crane lifts occur daily, recently surpassed two million hours worked without a days-away injury. All employees are trained and mentored in an extensive safety program, and ongoing meetings and inspections help ensure adherence to established procedures. Approximately 400 union employees work at the project that is scheduled for completion in mid-2008.
At the corporate level, in 2006, Washington Group International became the fifth organization in the United States to be inducted into OSHA's VPP Corporate Pilot Program, joining Georgia-Pacific, International Paper, the U.S. Postal Service, and Dow Chemical Company.
Washington Group International, headquartered in Boise, Idaho, has more than $3 billion in annual revenue and employs approximately 25,000 people at work around the world providing solutions in power, environmental management, defense, oil and gas processing, mining, industrial facilities, transportation, and water resources.
Labels: VPP
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Thursday, September 13, 2007
Texas Facility Surpasses Two Million Working Hours Without Lost Time Injury
National Semiconductor Corporation's Arlington, Texas manufacturing facility has surpassed two million working hours without a lost time injury. To achieve two million hours, Arlington's employees and contractors worked without experiencing a lost time injury for two years.
This safety milestone is the latest in a series of the site's safety accomplishments over the past several years. For example, National's Arlington facility was awarded the OSHA's Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) STAR Award in 2005. Less than 0.0002 percent of U.S. corporations have earned this distinction. The site has also received numerous safety awards from the National Safety Council as well as ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 Certifications, two key international safety and environmental standards.
Achieving two million hours without a lost time injury is a significant milestone and reflects the commitment of every employee in our plant," said John Conn, vice president and managing director of National's Arlington manufacturing facility.
The facility manufactures high-performance, energy-efficient analog integrated circuits that extend battery life in cell phones as well as provide fidelity audio and vibrant displays in numerous electronic systems. The company currently employs about 500 people in Arlington, Texas.
This safety milestone is the latest in a series of the site's safety accomplishments over the past several years. For example, National's Arlington facility was awarded the OSHA's Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) STAR Award in 2005. Less than 0.0002 percent of U.S. corporations have earned this distinction. The site has also received numerous safety awards from the National Safety Council as well as ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 Certifications, two key international safety and environmental standards.
Achieving two million hours without a lost time injury is a significant milestone and reflects the commitment of every employee in our plant," said John Conn, vice president and managing director of National's Arlington manufacturing facility.
The facility manufactures high-performance, energy-efficient analog integrated circuits that extend battery life in cell phones as well as provide fidelity audio and vibrant displays in numerous electronic systems. The company currently employs about 500 people in Arlington, Texas.
Labels: VPP
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Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Paper Mill Settles Lockout-Tagout Fatality Case after Years of Appeals
In January 2004 an employee of Longview Fibre Paper and Packaging Inc., died when a paper cutter was not locked out and was subsequently started up.
Occupational Health and Safety Magazine reports that Longview Fibre Paper and Packaging Inc. (Longview, Washington), the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (WSDLI) and the Association of Western Pulp & Paper Workers Union, Local 153 have reached a settlement ending a three year appeals process.
The settlement involves, among other things, Longview Fibre being accepted into the VPP. Read about the settlement here.
Occupational Health and Safety Magazine reports that Longview Fibre Paper and Packaging Inc. (Longview, Washington), the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (WSDLI) and the Association of Western Pulp & Paper Workers Union, Local 153 have reached a settlement ending a three year appeals process.
The settlement involves, among other things, Longview Fibre being accepted into the VPP. Read about the settlement here.
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Thursday, September 06, 2007
VPP Tools
The Department of Energy has compiled a list of VPP tools used by various DOE sites. Here is that list:
Communication Tools
Hazard Identification Tools
Hazard Prevention and Control
Management Commitment
(VPP) Program Evaluation Tools
Safety and Health Training
Work Site Analysis
VPP Logos for download
VPP Tools and Processes
Employee Involvement- Hanford's: Union Safety Representative
- Savannah River's: SAFE-T Construction Safety Program
- Idaho's: Safety Observations Achieve Results (SOAR) process
- Idaho's: Passports
- Idaho's: Safety Meetings Online
- Idaho's: DO It (Define, Observe, Intervene and Test
- Idaho's: i-Stretch/i-Balance Program
Communication Tools
- Idaho's: "Safety Menu" or "Food for Thought"
- WIPP's: The Porcelain Press
- Idaho's: Safety Recognition Week
Hazard Identification Tools
- DoD - MSDS: Hazardous Materials Information Resource System
- Hanford's: Automated Job Hazard Analysis Program
Hazard Prevention and Control
- River Corridor Project: 360-Degree Photograph Technology
- Kansas City's: Job Hazard Analysis System
- Argonne's: Job Hazards Questionnaire
- Savannah River's: SAFE-T Construction Safety Program
- WIPP's: The Porcelain Press
Management Commitment
- Savannah River's: Integrated Safety Committee
- Hanford's: Union Safety Representative
- Savannah River's: SAFE-T Construction Safety Program
(VPP) Program Evaluation Tools
- OSHA's: Safety and Health Management Systems eTool
- Hanford's: General Employee Training VPP Survey
- Idaho's: Maturity Path for Employee Safety Teams
- Idaho's: VPP Gap Analysis Booklet
Safety and Health Training
- Hanford's: General Employee Training VPP Survey
Work Site Analysis
- Hanford's: Automated Job Hazard Analysis Program
- Idaho's: Safety Observations Achieve Results (SOAR) process
VPP Logos for download
Labels: VPP, VPP Implementation
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Thursday, July 26, 2007
GE Enjoys Visit From OSHA
The Arkansas City Traveler reports that GE's two plants in Arkansas City and Winfield, Arkansas have achieved VPP Star status. The article states:
"The local GE plants are two of about 1,700 OSHA sites nationwide that have earned VPP status, Freeman said. That may not seem like such a big deal except that there are about eight million workplaces that OSHA regulates."
"The two local GE plants have worked off and on for about a decade to become a VPP site, said Tami Norwood, environmental health and safety manager in Winfield and Arkansas City."
"The local GE plants are two of about 1,700 OSHA sites nationwide that have earned VPP status, Freeman said. That may not seem like such a big deal except that there are about eight million workplaces that OSHA regulates."
"The two local GE plants have worked off and on for about a decade to become a VPP site, said Tami Norwood, environmental health and safety manager in Winfield and Arkansas City."
Labels: VPP
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Monday, July 16, 2007
An Idea For Promoting Health and Safety
The July 14th edition of the Central Kitsap Reporter announces an upcoming Summer Health and Safety Expo:
"With health and safety forever ingrained in the mind, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility and Voluntary Protection Program are hosting the third annual Summer Health and Safety Expo on Wednesday."
This seems like an excellent, proactive way to promote a culture of safety and health, improve safety practices, and get safety and wellness to become a part of the lifestyle of employees and their families.
The article reports:
“The summer months are historically the time when we experience the highest number of injuries,” said PSNS & IMF Public Affairs Specialist Katie Eberling. “This expo gives us all an opportunity to stop, take a deep breath, and reaffirm our commitment to safety at home as well as at work.”
"With health and safety forever ingrained in the mind, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility and Voluntary Protection Program are hosting the third annual Summer Health and Safety Expo on Wednesday."
This seems like an excellent, proactive way to promote a culture of safety and health, improve safety practices, and get safety and wellness to become a part of the lifestyle of employees and their families.
The article reports:
“The summer months are historically the time when we experience the highest number of injuries,” said PSNS & IMF Public Affairs Specialist Katie Eberling. “This expo gives us all an opportunity to stop, take a deep breath, and reaffirm our commitment to safety at home as well as at work.”
Labels: Safety Training, VPP
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Monday, June 11, 2007
First Mobile Contractor Earns VPP Star Honor
A "mobile contractor" is a contractor who brings crews to various work sites. The workforce is not permanantly based on one work site, but works on maintenance and construction projects on multiple worksites.
Repcon Inc. in Corpus Christi, Texas became the first mobile contractor to receive OSHA's VPP STAR designation. The first mobile site to achieve VPP STAR status was PPL Electric Utilities in Pennsylvania in 2005, however Repcon is the first mobile contractor to achieve VPP STAR.
The Caller-Times in Corpus Christi reported:
"OSHA area director John Giefer said he hopes other companies follow in Repcon's footsteps now that OSHA has expanded the program to include mobile work sites."
Repcon Inc. in Corpus Christi, Texas became the first mobile contractor to receive OSHA's VPP STAR designation. The first mobile site to achieve VPP STAR status was PPL Electric Utilities in Pennsylvania in 2005, however Repcon is the first mobile contractor to achieve VPP STAR.
The Caller-Times in Corpus Christi reported:
"OSHA area director John Giefer said he hopes other companies follow in Repcon's footsteps now that OSHA has expanded the program to include mobile work sites."
"Before the mobile work site designation was established, Giefer said, only fixed sites such as refineries received Star status."
"OSHA wanted to tap into a large group of employees that were being neglected under (the Voluntary Protection Program's) previous regulations," Giefer said. "We started a partnership with Repcon in 2002 to see if we could establish a system where they could be honored."
Labels: VPP
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Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Valero Energy Is #1 - VPP Is The Reason
Valero Energy has been ranked as the No. 1 "Big" company to work for by Fortune magazine. An article in yesterday's San Antonio Business Journal reports that Fortune Magazine's new Best Big Companies to work for list has Valero Energy at the top of the list. They report Fortune's web site as saying "Valero's participation in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Voluntary Protection Program as a key reason for being selected."
Labels: VPP
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Friday, April 06, 2007
40+ Years Without A Lost Time Accident
Does it seem impossible to go several years without a lost time accident? After all, accidents happens... as the saying goes. Sometimes things happen and a lost time accident just can not be avoided. If this is the way you are thinking, start changing your thinking. Accidents can be prevented and there should not be a level of accidents that is acceptable.
Reliable Plant magazine reports that CF Industries Inc. of Aurora, Neb., has had 15,000 consecutive days of operation without a lost-time incident. That's more than 40 years without a lost time accident. They have been a "Star" member of OSHA's Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) since August 2001.
Reliable Plant magazine reports that CF Industries Inc. of Aurora, Neb., has had 15,000 consecutive days of operation without a lost-time incident. That's more than 40 years without a lost time accident. They have been a "Star" member of OSHA's Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) since August 2001.
Labels: VPP
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Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Advantages of VPP
An article in yesterday's Akron Beacon Journal provides a concise overview of OSHA's Voluntary Protection Program. The article states:
"Companies that are accepted into OSHA's Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) pass a thorough application and audit but become exempt from occasional OSHA drop-in inspections, said Joe Warner, assistant area director of the Cleveland-area OSHA office."
The article also reports on a facility that has decided not to apply for OSHA's VPP.
"Companies that are accepted into OSHA's Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) pass a thorough application and audit but become exempt from occasional OSHA drop-in inspections, said Joe Warner, assistant area director of the Cleveland-area OSHA office."
The article also reports on a facility that has decided not to apply for OSHA's VPP.
Labels: VPP
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Friday, February 23, 2007
VPP Star Sites Are A Terrorism Concern?
An article in the Gloucester County Times (New Jersey) expresses a concern that because VPP STAR facilities are not regularly inspected by OSHA, they represent a terrorism danger. The article opens by stating:
"Thirteen chemical plants in New Jersey with the potential to create a disaster affecting a minimum 15,000 people living nearby including plants in both Gloucester and Salem counties have not had on-site inspections by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) since Sept. 11, 2001, according to a coalition of labor and environmental organizations urging stronger oversight by the agency."
Most of the facilities are refineries or chemical plants. Later in the article the Chemistry Council of New Jersey responsed to the above statement by saying:
"The Chemistry Council of New Jersey, representing 80 companies in the chemical and refining field, contends that a number of the companies have undergone a rigorous process to receive Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) status a process that allows internal inspections by the company with the results submitted to OSHA, the reason on-site inspections have not been conducted. "
What do you think? Should facilities that have achieved VPP STAR status continue to be inspected by OSHA as a terrorism prevention measure?
"Thirteen chemical plants in New Jersey with the potential to create a disaster affecting a minimum 15,000 people living nearby including plants in both Gloucester and Salem counties have not had on-site inspections by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) since Sept. 11, 2001, according to a coalition of labor and environmental organizations urging stronger oversight by the agency."
Most of the facilities are refineries or chemical plants. Later in the article the Chemistry Council of New Jersey responsed to the above statement by saying:
"The Chemistry Council of New Jersey, representing 80 companies in the chemical and refining field, contends that a number of the companies have undergone a rigorous process to receive Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) status a process that allows internal inspections by the company with the results submitted to OSHA, the reason on-site inspections have not been conducted. "
What do you think? Should facilities that have achieved VPP STAR status continue to be inspected by OSHA as a terrorism prevention measure?
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Monday, February 12, 2007
Shipbuilding, Once The 4th Most Dangerous Job, Is Getting Safer
A story published yesterday in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch is about the only shipyard that is a participant in OSHA's Voluntary Protection Program, the Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard. At one time shipbuilding was the third most dangerous job, it has now dropped to the 24th most dangerous job. The article reports:
"Northrop Grumman Newport News, the country's largest shipyard and a maker and repairer of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines, has helped drive that reduction. The yard's rates fell 62 percent over the same stretch, from 21.9 cases per 100 workers in 1992 to 8.28 cases per 100 employees in 2005."
Read this article to learn how the Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard has accomplished this.
"Northrop Grumman Newport News, the country's largest shipyard and a maker and repairer of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines, has helped drive that reduction. The yard's rates fell 62 percent over the same stretch, from 21.9 cases per 100 workers in 1992 to 8.28 cases per 100 employees in 2005."
Read this article to learn how the Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard has accomplished this.
Labels: VPP, workplace safety
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Thursday, February 01, 2007
Several VPP Firsts Achieved by Contractor
C. R. Meyer is an industrial and commercial general contractor with a facility located in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. In attaining VPP STAR status last September they also had two other significant accomplishments. They were the first contractor to be selected for the Star level of the Mobile Workforce VPP Demonstration for Construction, and they also became the first company to achieve Star status directly resulting from participation in the VPP OSHA Challenge Pilot.
An article in Occupational Hazards Magazine describes C.R. Meyer's accomplishment and provides some background on what C. R. Meyer did to earn STAR status, and how their systems and successes lead to their achieving these VPP firsts.
An article in Occupational Hazards Magazine describes C.R. Meyer's accomplishment and provides some background on what C. R. Meyer did to earn STAR status, and how their systems and successes lead to their achieving these VPP firsts.
Labels: Industrial Safety, VPP
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Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Kuparuk Considered for VPP Star
After applying for the OSHA Voluntary Protection Program, and meeting the requirements, the most common result is for the facility to start at the MERIT level. After a few years of working to improve safety programs and the workplace culture, the facility will then move up to STAR.
A case study of Kuparuk in the January 21, 2007 issue of Petroleum News Magazine shows how a facility can apply to VPP and enter the program with STAR status. The article tells about the following incident:
"When companies apply for the OSHA VPP, 'they are often categorized as merit … and over the next two, three years you work on improving your programs and your culture and then you reach star,' which is the highest rating, said Ken Donajkowski, ConocoPhillips Alaska’s vice president of health, safety and environment.
Kuparuk started out reaching for star rating, and wasn’t afraid to say so, said Donajkowski, relating an incident that occurred when the OSHA reviewers were on their way to Kuparuk for their on-site visit in August. One of them pulled a flyer out of the seat pocket in the charter plane and the flyer said something to the effect of Kuparuk — reaching for star.
The reviewer looked at the ConocoPhillips health, safety and environment director in the seat next to him and said, 'Reaching for star — most companies are glad to get merit and achieve star in a couple of years.'
'We’re that good,' the HSE director responded.
'Well, we’ll just see about that,' the OSHA reviewer said."
Read the complete article to find out what happened.
A case study of Kuparuk in the January 21, 2007 issue of Petroleum News Magazine shows how a facility can apply to VPP and enter the program with STAR status. The article tells about the following incident:
"When companies apply for the OSHA VPP, 'they are often categorized as merit … and over the next two, three years you work on improving your programs and your culture and then you reach star,' which is the highest rating, said Ken Donajkowski, ConocoPhillips Alaska’s vice president of health, safety and environment.
Kuparuk started out reaching for star rating, and wasn’t afraid to say so, said Donajkowski, relating an incident that occurred when the OSHA reviewers were on their way to Kuparuk for their on-site visit in August. One of them pulled a flyer out of the seat pocket in the charter plane and the flyer said something to the effect of Kuparuk — reaching for star.
The reviewer looked at the ConocoPhillips health, safety and environment director in the seat next to him and said, 'Reaching for star — most companies are glad to get merit and achieve star in a couple of years.'
'We’re that good,' the HSE director responded.
'Well, we’ll just see about that,' the OSHA reviewer said."
Read the complete article to find out what happened.
Labels: VPP, VPP Safety Articles and Papers
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Wednesday, January 17, 2007
OSHA VPP Recent Approvals
Who is participating in the OSHA VPP program?
Are you proposing a VPP program for your facility, but management wants to know the extent to which other companies have embraced this program? The OSHA VPP Recent Approvals page will give you the information you need. It lists all of the new STAR, MERIT, and STAR DEMONSTRATION members for each month in 2006.
Are you proposing a VPP program for your facility, but management wants to know the extent to which other companies have embraced this program? The OSHA VPP Recent Approvals page will give you the information you need. It lists all of the new STAR, MERIT, and STAR DEMONSTRATION members for each month in 2006.
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Monday, January 15, 2007
OSHA VPP Corporate Pilot
OSHA has created a VPP Corporate Pilot program designed to allow corporations that are committed to VPP, and that are interested in achieving VPP recognition at facilities throughout their organization, a more practical and efficient means to accomplish this goal. The pilot program meets the needs of large corporations by eliminating the redundancy in the VPP application and onsite evaluation processes while maintaining the quality and integrity of the VPP program.
How Does It Work?
An interested corporation submits a Corporate VPP Application to OSHA describing how standardized corporate-level policies and programs consistent with VPP criteria are applied at facilities throughout the organization. Once the application process is complete and accepted by OSHA, individual facilities on need to submit facility specific information. There is no need to submit information contained in the Corporate VPP Application.
More information about the VPP Corporate Pilot
The initial participants for the VPP Pilot are:
How Does It Work?
An interested corporation submits a Corporate VPP Application to OSHA describing how standardized corporate-level policies and programs consistent with VPP criteria are applied at facilities throughout the organization. Once the application process is complete and accepted by OSHA, individual facilities on need to submit facility specific information. There is no need to submit information contained in the Corporate VPP Application.
More information about the VPP Corporate Pilot
The initial participants for the VPP Pilot are:
- The Dow Chemical Company
- General Electric Company
- Georgia-Pacific Corporation
- International Paper
- The United States Postal Service
- Washington Group International
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Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Planning For A Workplace Emergency
We've added new content to our web site and re-arranged the menus so that topics are grouped together in a more logical way.
The new content includes a long page on the topic of Workplace Emergency Planning. Based on an OSHA booklet, it provides a complete overview of how to get prepared for the unexpected. Trying to figure out how to respond to an emergency, while you are in the middle of the emergency, is not the best approach, and it could lead to unnecessary injury, death or damage to your facility. This article describes how to create a complete emergency response plan.
We have also added the OSHA VPP Fact Sheet to our web site. This is a PDF document put out by OSHS that describes VPP. We left it in the PDF format so that, if needed, you may print good quality copies of this fact sheet.
The new content includes a long page on the topic of Workplace Emergency Planning. Based on an OSHA booklet, it provides a complete overview of how to get prepared for the unexpected. Trying to figure out how to respond to an emergency, while you are in the middle of the emergency, is not the best approach, and it could lead to unnecessary injury, death or damage to your facility. This article describes how to create a complete emergency response plan.
We have also added the OSHA VPP Fact Sheet to our web site. This is a PDF document put out by OSHS that describes VPP. We left it in the PDF format so that, if needed, you may print good quality copies of this fact sheet.
Labels: Emergency Planning, Safety Training, VPP
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Tuesday, October 17, 2006
OSHA Accepting Applications for New Voluntary Protection Program in the Construction Industry
OSHA Press Release:
WASHINGTON -- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced yesterday that employers in the construction industry may begin applying for participation in OSHA's newest component of its premiere cooperative program — the VPP Mobile Workforce Demonstration for Construction. Eligible applicants include those who operate within the construction industry and have been in continuous business for at least three years.
The initiative was first announced in July by OSHA Administrator Ed Foulke at the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) Safety and Health Committee mid-year meeting in Denver. Foulke said the program "offers construction employers with mobile construction workforces and short term projects the same opportunity for recognition that fixed-site employers receive" and "recognizes those construction companies that should be held up as models of safety and health for the rest of the industry."
While the core of the new program continues on the principle of effective safety and health management systems, there are important differences as compared to site-based VPP participants. For example, applications are acceptable from a corporation, or from a division or business unit within that corporation. Additionally, companies can use an Applicant Participation Plan to note safety and health policies and procedures that differ from established VPP requirements. There is also a requirement for a prescreening/oversight process that verifies corporate policies and procedures are being effectively implemented at all worksites.
The Demonstration program involves a two-phased OSHA verification process: (1) a review of safety and health management system policies and procedures, plus management's commitment to safety and health and VPP; and (2) a visit to one or more worksites to determine the successful implementation of the corporate policies and procedures, and to verify employee involvement.
The new program is based on the agency's VPP experience as well as successes garnered through the construction-related Mobile Workforce and Short-Term Construction Star Demonstration Programs. Construction industry VPP participants in 2005 enjoyed total case incident rates (TCIR) and days away from work, restricted, or transfer (DART) rates more than 60 percent below their industry average.
Details on applying for the Demonstration program are available on OSHA's Voluntary Protection Programs Web site; interested parties are also encouraged to contact OSHA's Regional VPP managers for assistance in the application process.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.
WASHINGTON -- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced yesterday that employers in the construction industry may begin applying for participation in OSHA's newest component of its premiere cooperative program — the VPP Mobile Workforce Demonstration for Construction. Eligible applicants include those who operate within the construction industry and have been in continuous business for at least three years.
The initiative was first announced in July by OSHA Administrator Ed Foulke at the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) Safety and Health Committee mid-year meeting in Denver. Foulke said the program "offers construction employers with mobile construction workforces and short term projects the same opportunity for recognition that fixed-site employers receive" and "recognizes those construction companies that should be held up as models of safety and health for the rest of the industry."
While the core of the new program continues on the principle of effective safety and health management systems, there are important differences as compared to site-based VPP participants. For example, applications are acceptable from a corporation, or from a division or business unit within that corporation. Additionally, companies can use an Applicant Participation Plan to note safety and health policies and procedures that differ from established VPP requirements. There is also a requirement for a prescreening/oversight process that verifies corporate policies and procedures are being effectively implemented at all worksites.
The Demonstration program involves a two-phased OSHA verification process: (1) a review of safety and health management system policies and procedures, plus management's commitment to safety and health and VPP; and (2) a visit to one or more worksites to determine the successful implementation of the corporate policies and procedures, and to verify employee involvement.
The new program is based on the agency's VPP experience as well as successes garnered through the construction-related Mobile Workforce and Short-Term Construction Star Demonstration Programs. Construction industry VPP participants in 2005 enjoyed total case incident rates (TCIR) and days away from work, restricted, or transfer (DART) rates more than 60 percent below their industry average.
Details on applying for the Demonstration program are available on OSHA's Voluntary Protection Programs Web site; interested parties are also encouraged to contact OSHA's Regional VPP managers for assistance in the application process.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.
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Tuesday, September 19, 2006
OSHA VPP Challenge Pilot Program Participant First to Earn "Star" Status
OSHA News Release: Sept. 19, 2006
WASHINGTON -- C.R. Meyer, a Wisconsin general contractor, is the first company to achieve the prestigious Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) "Star" status directly resulting from participation in the VPP OSHA Challenge Pilot. Michael G. Connors, OSHA's regional administrator in Chicago, presented the award Sept. 15 during a ceremony at the company's Oshkosh, Wis. headquarters.
OSHA's VPP recognizes the outstanding efforts of employers and employees who have achieved exemplary occupational safety and health. The VPP Challenge Pilot was designed to help companies take a more proactive approach to occupational safety and health by providing a detailed roadmap that guides them on how to improve their safety and health management systems and meet VPP recognition criteria. C.R. Meyer joined the Challenge Pilot in November 2004 and graduated in August 2005.
"We congratulate C.R. Meyer on being the first workplace from the Challenge Pilot to earn acceptance into the VPP 'Star' family," said OSHA Administrator Ed Foulke. "Their outstanding efforts have included management commitment to safety and health and employee involvement in safety and health programs."
Added C.R. Meyer's Director of Risk Management Fred R. Rideout, CSP, ARM: "We are proud of this noteworthy achievement, and we understand the real challenge is before us. We look forward to steady, continued improvement in our safety and health management system as we grow our program nationally."
C.R. Meyer employs nearly 1,000 people and is one of the leading industrial and commercial general contractors in the Midwest. It now joins a select group of about 1,550 worksites nationwide that have earned VPP status. VPP companies achieve average injury and illness rates 50 percent below other companies in their industry.
In qualifying for "Star" status, C.R. Meyer verified that it had implemented programs and procedures beyond those required under OSHA standards with extensive involvement by both management and employees. Its written safety and health management system effectively addresses worksite hazards by identifying and tracking them to ensure their correction and control. Its safety and health training programs ensure that employees understand occupational hazards and how to control them.
Requirements for application to VPP include a high degree of management support and employee involvement; high quality worksite hazard analysis protocols; prevention and control programs; and comprehensive safety and health training for all employees. The VPP programs are open to deserving employers in any industry.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.
WASHINGTON -- C.R. Meyer, a Wisconsin general contractor, is the first company to achieve the prestigious Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) "Star" status directly resulting from participation in the VPP OSHA Challenge Pilot. Michael G. Connors, OSHA's regional administrator in Chicago, presented the award Sept. 15 during a ceremony at the company's Oshkosh, Wis. headquarters.
OSHA's VPP recognizes the outstanding efforts of employers and employees who have achieved exemplary occupational safety and health. The VPP Challenge Pilot was designed to help companies take a more proactive approach to occupational safety and health by providing a detailed roadmap that guides them on how to improve their safety and health management systems and meet VPP recognition criteria. C.R. Meyer joined the Challenge Pilot in November 2004 and graduated in August 2005.
"We congratulate C.R. Meyer on being the first workplace from the Challenge Pilot to earn acceptance into the VPP 'Star' family," said OSHA Administrator Ed Foulke. "Their outstanding efforts have included management commitment to safety and health and employee involvement in safety and health programs."
Added C.R. Meyer's Director of Risk Management Fred R. Rideout, CSP, ARM: "We are proud of this noteworthy achievement, and we understand the real challenge is before us. We look forward to steady, continued improvement in our safety and health management system as we grow our program nationally."
C.R. Meyer employs nearly 1,000 people and is one of the leading industrial and commercial general contractors in the Midwest. It now joins a select group of about 1,550 worksites nationwide that have earned VPP status. VPP companies achieve average injury and illness rates 50 percent below other companies in their industry.
In qualifying for "Star" status, C.R. Meyer verified that it had implemented programs and procedures beyond those required under OSHA standards with extensive involvement by both management and employees. Its written safety and health management system effectively addresses worksite hazards by identifying and tracking them to ensure their correction and control. Its safety and health training programs ensure that employees understand occupational hazards and how to control them.
Requirements for application to VPP include a high degree of management support and employee involvement; high quality worksite hazard analysis protocols; prevention and control programs; and comprehensive safety and health training for all employees. The VPP programs are open to deserving employers in any industry.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.
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Friday, September 08, 2006
Municipality Offers Tax Incentives to Industries Earning VPP Certification
Texas City, Texas Implements Safety Incentive Policy Municipality Offers Tax Incentives to Industries Earning VPP Certification
The city of Texas City, Texas, located approximately 40 miles southeast of Houston; last week enacted an innovative provision within its municipal tax code that offers tax incentives to those industrial facilities that demonstrate a commitment to safe operations by becoming certified as Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) worksites!
"We applaud Texas City's leaders for this proactive and unprecedented effort that promotes not only a safer industrial district, but a safer community," said R. Davis Lane, Executive Director of the VPP Participants Association. "VPP can significantly improve a facility's safety performance. And now, Texas City companies will have added financial incentives to participate in the program and earn VPP certification. This is an outstanding precedent that we hope local governments throughout the country will follow."
Texas City officials outlined and approved the plan at their June 7 City Commission Meeting. The language in the provision states that if an industrial entity achieves VPP certification, the facility's owner is entitled to a 20 percent tax abatement each year for five years (from the second year after it receives certification through the seventh year), provided the owner maintains VPP designation.
"The Voluntary Protection Program is a great way for the City to have a measurable standard for our abatement program," said Texas City Mayor Matthew T. Doyle. "VPP also provides that management and labor work together to achieve a common goal. The money that we allow in the tax abatements will be a small price to pay for a safer community."
VPP began in 1982 as an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) program to establish cooperative action among government, industry and labor in promoting highly effective safety and health programs that go above and beyond normal OSHA worker protection compliance. The Department of Energy began their VPP program in 1992 with the initial facility, the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, entering the program in 1994.
Becoming VPP-certified is a rigorous and complex process designed to ensure that only the best programs qualify. Companies and organization that are VPP certified as either Merit Sites or Star Sites (the highest VPP honor) have discovered numerous benefits including 60 to 80 percent fewer lost workday injuries, and an injury and illness rate that is 52 percent or lower than expected for a site of the same size in the same business segment.
STAR recognition in the VPP is the highest honor and it recognizes the nation's most effective safety and health programs.
The city of Texas City, Texas, located approximately 40 miles southeast of Houston; last week enacted an innovative provision within its municipal tax code that offers tax incentives to those industrial facilities that demonstrate a commitment to safe operations by becoming certified as Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) worksites!
"We applaud Texas City's leaders for this proactive and unprecedented effort that promotes not only a safer industrial district, but a safer community," said R. Davis Lane, Executive Director of the VPP Participants Association. "VPP can significantly improve a facility's safety performance. And now, Texas City companies will have added financial incentives to participate in the program and earn VPP certification. This is an outstanding precedent that we hope local governments throughout the country will follow."
Texas City officials outlined and approved the plan at their June 7 City Commission Meeting. The language in the provision states that if an industrial entity achieves VPP certification, the facility's owner is entitled to a 20 percent tax abatement each year for five years (from the second year after it receives certification through the seventh year), provided the owner maintains VPP designation.
"The Voluntary Protection Program is a great way for the City to have a measurable standard for our abatement program," said Texas City Mayor Matthew T. Doyle. "VPP also provides that management and labor work together to achieve a common goal. The money that we allow in the tax abatements will be a small price to pay for a safer community."
VPP began in 1982 as an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) program to establish cooperative action among government, industry and labor in promoting highly effective safety and health programs that go above and beyond normal OSHA worker protection compliance. The Department of Energy began their VPP program in 1992 with the initial facility, the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, entering the program in 1994.
Becoming VPP-certified is a rigorous and complex process designed to ensure that only the best programs qualify. Companies and organization that are VPP certified as either Merit Sites or Star Sites (the highest VPP honor) have discovered numerous benefits including 60 to 80 percent fewer lost workday injuries, and an injury and illness rate that is 52 percent or lower than expected for a site of the same size in the same business segment.
STAR recognition in the VPP is the highest honor and it recognizes the nation's most effective safety and health programs.
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Tuesday, September 05, 2006
News Flash! How One TV Station Covers Online Safety Training
TV station WJAR NBC-10 in Cranston, R.I uses a multifaceted approach to safety training that has resulted in their being the first television station to receive the coveted OSHA Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Star.
WJAR is a GE owned TV station. GE considers itself the safest company in America. A magazine article in Occupational Hazards magazine reports "There is no other television station in the area that has an equivalent safety program in place, according to Churchville, who says that NBC stations are required to provide some sort of EHS training."
The article describes WJAR's approach to safety training which includes videos, classroom, hands-on, and online training. By using a wide variety of training techniques, employees who have weak learning skills in one area can learn what they need to know through one of the other training methods.
Read this article in: Occupational Hazards Magazine
WJAR is a GE owned TV station. GE considers itself the safest company in America. A magazine article in Occupational Hazards magazine reports "There is no other television station in the area that has an equivalent safety program in place, according to Churchville, who says that NBC stations are required to provide some sort of EHS training."
The article describes WJAR's approach to safety training which includes videos, classroom, hands-on, and online training. By using a wide variety of training techniques, employees who have weak learning skills in one area can learn what they need to know through one of the other training methods.
Read this article in: Occupational Hazards Magazine
Labels: Safety Training, VPP, workplace safety
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Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) FAQs
If you'd like to get basic questions about the Voluntary Protection Program answered, the Vermont Occupational Safety & Health Administration web site has an excellent page of answers to frequently asked questions. Although these FAQs are targeted at Vermont workplaces, most of the answers also apply to the federal OSHA VPP. The Vermont VPP is modeled very closely to the program offered by Region 1, Federal OSHA and is virtually the same. If you are doing basic research on VPP, this FAQ page is a useful resource.
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Monday, August 14, 2006
OSHA Unveils Voluntary Protection Program For Mobile Workforce
OSHA has announced a Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) initiative that is designed for the construction industry. OSHA Administrator Ed Foulke made the annoucement at the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) Safety and Health Committee mid-year meeting in Denver. He said:
"VPP is a good tool for increasing safety and health awareness within the industry," Foulke told attendees when announcing the program. "It is important for OSHA to recognize those construction companies that should be held up as models of safety and health for the rest of the industry."
The OSHA press release describes the new initiative as continuing to "rest on the principle of effective safety and health management systems. However, it is unique from traditional VPP programs in that it adds new procedures and requirements that recognize the unique aspects of the construction industry. For example, the program allows for participation at the company, division, or business unit levels."
"VPP is a good tool for increasing safety and health awareness within the industry," Foulke told attendees when announcing the program. "It is important for OSHA to recognize those construction companies that should be held up as models of safety and health for the rest of the industry."
The OSHA press release describes the new initiative as continuing to "rest on the principle of effective safety and health management systems. However, it is unique from traditional VPP programs in that it adds new procedures and requirements that recognize the unique aspects of the construction industry. For example, the program allows for participation at the company, division, or business unit levels."
Labels: OSHA, VPP, workplace safety
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Thursday, August 10, 2006
Using Control Charts
Control charts are a tool that can be used as a part of VPP.
A "control chart" is a graphic presentation of results compared with your goals or limits. A control chart is used to determine whether variations in the results of a process are random or systematic. It allows you to identify the non-random variations that corrections or changes can be made to eliminate the variations.
An article on the web site for the Hanford Nuclear Reservation provides an excellent, detailed description of how to generate and use control charts. The article starts by discussing the various types of control charts. It then provides a detailed description of how to create a control chart, including the required mathematics. This is followed by a description of how to analyse the information provided by a control chart.
A "control chart" is a graphic presentation of results compared with your goals or limits. A control chart is used to determine whether variations in the results of a process are random or systematic. It allows you to identify the non-random variations that corrections or changes can be made to eliminate the variations.
An article on the web site for the Hanford Nuclear Reservation provides an excellent, detailed description of how to generate and use control charts. The article starts by discussing the various types of control charts. It then provides a detailed description of how to create a control chart, including the required mathematics. This is followed by a description of how to analyse the information provided by a control chart.
Labels: VPP, workplace safety
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Friday, August 04, 2006
CraftMaster Manufacturing, Inc. - Star VPP
CraftMaster Manufacturing, Inc. is one of many Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) success stories. This short article on the OSHA web site provides on overview of the steps CraftMaster Manufacturing has taken to maintain their VPP STAR status. With VPP you can not achieve STAR status and then stop working on improving safety. Safety is an ongoing process and VPP STAR certification must be renewed every 3-5 years.
CraftMaster Manufacturing has been in the VPP program since 1994. They achieved STAR status in 2004. In the three-year 2001- 2003 period they had a total recordable case incidence rate that was 85% below their industry average and a days away, restricted or transferred rate (DART) that was 83% below industry average. During October 2004, the facility surpassed 9 million hours without a lost workday injury.
This article describes three examples of employee involvement that has helped to improve safety at CraftMaster Manufacturing:
1) The Behavior Observation Program - this program is used to detect and correct unsafe behavior during periods in which unsafe behavior is most likely to occur.
2) The Hazard Reporting System - any employee can submit a work order request if an unsafe condition is identified.
3) Pre-Use Analysis evaluates new equipment and processes to address potential safety and health hazards prior to installation.
CraftMaster Manufacturing has been in the VPP program since 1994. They achieved STAR status in 2004. In the three-year 2001- 2003 period they had a total recordable case incidence rate that was 85% below their industry average and a days away, restricted or transferred rate (DART) that was 83% below industry average. During October 2004, the facility surpassed 9 million hours without a lost workday injury.
This article describes three examples of employee involvement that has helped to improve safety at CraftMaster Manufacturing:
1) The Behavior Observation Program - this program is used to detect and correct unsafe behavior during periods in which unsafe behavior is most likely to occur.
2) The Hazard Reporting System - any employee can submit a work order request if an unsafe condition is identified.
3) Pre-Use Analysis evaluates new equipment and processes to address potential safety and health hazards prior to installation.
Labels: Industrial Safety, VPP
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Saturday, July 29, 2006
SAFETY INITIATIVES ANNOUNCED AT AT AGC SAFETY MEETING
AGC Press Release:
ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOULKE ANNOUNCES SAFETY INITIATIVES
AT AGC SAFETY MEETING
Washington, D.C.—U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administrator (OSHA) Ed Foulke today unveiled a nationwide Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) initiative aimed at meeting the unique needs and characteristics of the Construction Industry-Mobile Workforce VPP Demonstration for Construction at the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) Safety and Health Committee mid-year meeting in Denver.
Foulke also announced the appointment of AGC's Safety and Health Committee Chairman Linwood Smith (TA Loving, Goldsboro, N.C.) as Chairman of OSHA’s Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health (ACCSH<) while congratulating the association and its members for improving safety within the industry. ACCSH is an advisory committee appointed by the Secretary of Labor to assist OSHA in construction safety and health matters.
"AGC is proud of our members' efforts to improve job site safety and health," said AGC CEO Stephen E. Sandherr. "We are honored that Assistant Secretary Foulke addressed our association today. We look forward to working closely with OSHA on its VPP efforts for construction and expanding other partnership efforts that will formalize the relationships across the country with our chapters and companies who strive every day to make our industry safer."
"VPP is a good tool for increasing safety and health awareness within the industry," Foulke told AGC's attendees when announcing the program. "It is important for OSHA to recognize those construction companies that should be held up as models of safety and health for the rest of the industry."
Foulke also recognized AGC's efforts in promoting OSHA's compliance assistance programs, providing training through the Susan Harwood Grants and participating in other OSHA alliances and partnerships.
"OSHA depends on industry organizations like AGC to help raise issues, set standards, challenge its members, inform the industry, and work with OSHA to improve the record for safety and health in the construction industry," said Foulke.
The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) is the largest and oldest national construction trade association in the United States. AGC represents more than 32,000 firms, including 7,000 of America's leading general contractors, and over 12,000 specialty-contracting firms. Over 13,000 service providers and suppliers are associated with AGC through a nationwide network of chapters. Visit the AGC Web site at www.agc.org. AGC members are "Building Your Quality of Life."
ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOULKE ANNOUNCES SAFETY INITIATIVES
AT AGC SAFETY MEETING
Washington, D.C.—U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administrator (OSHA) Ed Foulke today unveiled a nationwide Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) initiative aimed at meeting the unique needs and characteristics of the Construction Industry-Mobile Workforce VPP Demonstration for Construction at the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) Safety and Health Committee mid-year meeting in Denver.
Foulke also announced the appointment of AGC's Safety and Health Committee Chairman Linwood Smith (TA Loving, Goldsboro, N.C.) as Chairman of OSHA’s Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health (ACCSH<) while congratulating the association and its members for improving safety within the industry. ACCSH is an advisory committee appointed by the Secretary of Labor to assist OSHA in construction safety and health matters.
"AGC is proud of our members' efforts to improve job site safety and health," said AGC CEO Stephen E. Sandherr. "We are honored that Assistant Secretary Foulke addressed our association today. We look forward to working closely with OSHA on its VPP efforts for construction and expanding other partnership efforts that will formalize the relationships across the country with our chapters and companies who strive every day to make our industry safer."
"VPP is a good tool for increasing safety and health awareness within the industry," Foulke told AGC's attendees when announcing the program. "It is important for OSHA to recognize those construction companies that should be held up as models of safety and health for the rest of the industry."
Foulke also recognized AGC's efforts in promoting OSHA's compliance assistance programs, providing training through the Susan Harwood Grants and participating in other OSHA alliances and partnerships.
"OSHA depends on industry organizations like AGC to help raise issues, set standards, challenge its members, inform the industry, and work with OSHA to improve the record for safety and health in the construction industry," said Foulke.
The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) is the largest and oldest national construction trade association in the United States. AGC represents more than 32,000 firms, including 7,000 of America's leading general contractors, and over 12,000 specialty-contracting firms. Over 13,000 service providers and suppliers are associated with AGC through a nationwide network of chapters. Visit the AGC Web site at www.agc.org. AGC members are "Building Your Quality of Life."
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Tuesday, July 25, 2006
VPP Success Story
I thought there might be something to learn from those who tried VPP and were not successful. So today I went looking for stories about VPP failures, but I could only find success stories.
Read how Frito-Lay in Beaverton, Oregon cut their workers compensation costs by almost a million dollars a year, improved productivity and created a happier workforce. Working with Oregon OSHA in 2000 they began to address safety and health problems. In 2002 they joined OSHA's VPP. The results have been dramatic.
Read how Frito-Lay in Beaverton, Oregon cut their workers compensation costs by almost a million dollars a year, improved productivity and created a happier workforce. Working with Oregon OSHA in 2000 they began to address safety and health problems. In 2002 they joined OSHA's VPP. The results have been dramatic.
Labels: VPP
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Friday, July 14, 2006
Playing on OSHA's Team
A feature article from Occupational Health & Safety magazine offers a good overview of OSA's Voluntary Protection Program and the benefits VPP provides. The article is written by Mike Avery who is the safety and security director at American Saw and Mfg. Company, Inc., a company with 700 employees. The article asks:
What is involved in establishing a VPP? And, from a company's perspective, is it worth the effort?
Mr. Avery writes: "In fact, VPP provides value that radiates well beyond the obvious benefits of reducing accidents, lost work days, and worker's compensation claims. VPP is a whole approach to safety and health that touches on every aspect of daily operations. Once implemented, it becomes integral to the company's way of doing business."
If you company is evaluating whether they want to get involved in VPP, read this article. It provides a good overview of the pluses and minuses, and one company's experience with VPP.
What is involved in establishing a VPP? And, from a company's perspective, is it worth the effort?
Mr. Avery writes: "In fact, VPP provides value that radiates well beyond the obvious benefits of reducing accidents, lost work days, and worker's compensation claims. VPP is a whole approach to safety and health that touches on every aspect of daily operations. Once implemented, it becomes integral to the company's way of doing business."
If you company is evaluating whether they want to get involved in VPP, read this article. It provides a good overview of the pluses and minuses, and one company's experience with VPP.
Labels: Industrial Safety, VPP
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Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Voluntary Protection Program at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL)
How are others implementing a Voluntary Protection Program? As we come across them we'll provide links to web sites describing how VPP was implemented at a specific workplace and the benefits that resulted. This post highlights the Voluntary Protection Program at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL)in Richland Washington.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Voluntary Protection Program.
This site includes a lot of detailed information, including the meeting minutes from VPP Steering Committee meetings.
Since December 2000 PNNL has published a monthly VPP newsletter called the Porcelain Press. This newsletter is designed to raise staff awareness of the Laboratory's Voluntary Protection Program and to discuss timely safety and health issues. All of the back issues are available online.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Voluntary Protection Program.
This site includes a lot of detailed information, including the meeting minutes from VPP Steering Committee meetings.
Since December 2000 PNNL has published a monthly VPP newsletter called the Porcelain Press. This newsletter is designed to raise staff awareness of the Laboratory's Voluntary Protection Program and to discuss timely safety and health issues. All of the back issues are available online.
Labels: VPP
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Wednesday, July 05, 2006
News From OSHA's VPP Program
You'll find the latest press releases from OSHA's VPP program here. Most are recognizing new STAR members of the program, but there are also links to VPP news and programs.
Labels: VPP
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VPP: What it Takes to be a Star
VPP is the abbreviation for OSHA's Voluntary Protection Program, a program that recognizes the excellent safety records and practices of organizations that can serve as role models for others.
An article in Occupational Hazards describes what it takes to be at the top level, "Star" and stay there. There are two levels in VPP, STAR and MERIT, plus a third called STAR DEMONSTRATION that is for organizations dealing with special or unique safety situations.
The article features interviews with representatives from several corporations that have been accepted as STAR participants, including Georgia-Pacific and Monsanto. They describe their experience with VPP, the benefits it provides and their ongoing activities as STAR members of VPP.
The article concludes by saying:
"VPP for Construction (VPPC) is based on OSHA's VPP experience, in general, as well as successes garnered through the construction-related Mobile Workforce and Short-Term Construction Star Demonstration Programs. The core of the initiative is based on the principle of effective safety and health management systems. It mirrors the general VPP design by continuing to offer participation at either the Star or Merit level, with the possibility of future Demonstration Programs. The new initiative is unique, however, in that it creates two categories of participation: one for long-term, site-based construction projects; and the other for companies, divisions and other business units that employ mobile workforces and work at various sites or projects not always controlled by the participant."
An article in Occupational Hazards describes what it takes to be at the top level, "Star" and stay there. There are two levels in VPP, STAR and MERIT, plus a third called STAR DEMONSTRATION that is for organizations dealing with special or unique safety situations.
The article features interviews with representatives from several corporations that have been accepted as STAR participants, including Georgia-Pacific and Monsanto. They describe their experience with VPP, the benefits it provides and their ongoing activities as STAR members of VPP.
The article concludes by saying:
"VPP for Construction (VPPC) is based on OSHA's VPP experience, in general, as well as successes garnered through the construction-related Mobile Workforce and Short-Term Construction Star Demonstration Programs. The core of the initiative is based on the principle of effective safety and health management systems. It mirrors the general VPP design by continuing to offer participation at either the Star or Merit level, with the possibility of future Demonstration Programs. The new initiative is unique, however, in that it creates two categories of participation: one for long-term, site-based construction projects; and the other for companies, divisions and other business units that employ mobile workforces and work at various sites or projects not always controlled by the participant."
Labels: VPP
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