CALOSHA VPP logoCal/OSHA Safety Recognition Programs

There are several recognition programs for employers designed to reward and encourage continuous improvement in safety. Here are the basic definitions and requirements:

Voluntary Protection Program (VPP): 

VPP is the highest level of recognition and requires a significant investment in safety. It is awarded to employers who have voluntarily managed outstanding safety and health programs. It requires peer review by other VPP employers before receiving the designation. Certification lasts for three years, with recertification available. Also known as Star sites, VPP participants receive an exemption from programmed inspections. VPP sites manage outside vendors carefully.

The six elements of VPP include:

  • Management commitment;
  • Employee involvement;
  • Worksite analysis;
  • Hazard prevention and control;
  • Health and safety training, and
  • Continuous improvement.

The employer’s Days Away, Restricted Duty and Transfer (DART), and Total Case Incident Rate (TCIR) must be below 90% of the most recent applicable NAICS code’s 3-year average. Applicants undergo a rigorous schedule of audits and inspections. California’s VPP is widely considered the most arduous program of its kind in the country.

VPP- Construction (VPP-C):

Individual-specific construction sites earn certification. An organization with multiple sites is likely not certified for them all. Participants have a significantly lower risk of serious accidents than other construction firms. Particular attention is paid to sub-contractors, including pre-qualification, particularly from a safety standpoint.

Construction firms must demonstrate that they maintain safety and health management system oversight and control at their VPP-C worksites and that their systems effectively reduce accidents and injuries. Certification is site-specific and applicable for three years.

Cal/Reach:

Aimed at worksites who have not yet met the qualifications of VPP Star but are working towards it. Reach sites employers’ safety professionals work in conjunction with Cal/OSHA to improve health and safety programs and reduce injury and illness rates to the Star requirements.

Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP):

This recognition is site-specific and available to all high-hazard employers with either fixed or mobile worksites. Participants may be exempted from programmed inspections.

Employers must be able to demonstrate active management commitment to safety, including employee involvement and dual and multiemployer responsibilities, and its safety and health management systems effectively prevent and reduce accidents at the worksite. Status is granted for two years, with renewals available.

Golden Gate Partnership:

Basic recognition is awarded to employers who participate in Cal-OSHA Consultation services and demonstrate an effective Injury and Illness Prevention Program. Companies must request and receive the Consultation visit. Recognition, in the form of a certificate of commendation, is good for one site for one year.

Cal-OSHA’s consultation unit works with employers who request services. Providing the employer meets all the safety recommendations recommended by Cal-OSHA, it is not cited for any violations that may have been found in the discovery process.

 

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