OSHA Revises VPP Policies & Procedures Manual

Approval into the federal Voluntary Protection Programs is OSHA's official recognition of the outstanding efforts of employers and employees who have created exemplary worksite safety and health management systems. Now OSHA has issued an Instruction, CSP 03-01-003, which revises and clarifies the overall framework of policy and procedures for administering VPP. Major changes to the policies and procedures manual include:

  • Benchmark Rates. This Instruction incorporates changes published in Federal Register Notice 68 FR 68475, December 8, 2003, that revised the benchmark injury and illness rates used within VPP.
  • Process Safety Management. This Instruction modifies procedures for VPP applications, OSHA onsite evaluations, and annual participant self-evaluations for applicants/participants subject to OSHA's Process Safety Management (PSM) standard.
  • Compressed Reapproval Process. This Instruction introduces an alternative onsite reapproval process for Star participants who have demonstrated sustained excellence in safety and health systems management.
  • Other. This Instruction removes template letters that OSHA periodically modifies and that are more appropriately disseminated through other means. It includes changes in the VPP recognition process. It also removes temporary instructions no longer applicable, and references to specific VPP affiliates. Minor editorial changes improve readability.

To view the VPP Instruction, visit www.osha.gov/OshDoc/Directive_pdf/CSP_03-01-003.pdf.

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