OSHA Seeks Comments on VPP Information Collection
The Federal Register notice about the request details the history of OSHA's VPP -- in the spotlight recently because OSHA has held two meetings to discuss how it can strengthen its VPP program and also because the Voluntary Protection Programs Participants' Association held its 2017 national conference last week.
OSHA published a routine request for comments about its request to continue collecting information from participants in its VPP program. The request, published Aug. 30, seeks comments by Oct. 30 (submitted at www.regulations.gov to Docket No. OSHA-2011-0056) on issues such as whether the information collection requirements are necessary for the proper performance of OSHA's functions and whether the information is useful, as well as ways to minimize the burden on employers who do submit information.
The Federal Register notice about the request details the history of OSHA's VPP -- in the spotlight recently because OSHA has held two meetings to discuss how it can strengthen its VPP program and also because the Voluntary Protection Programs Participants' Association held its 2017 national conference last week in New Orleans -- including the information prospective VPP work sites must submit in their applications, such as injury and illness rate information, as well as safety and health management program information.
OSHA uses the information to determine whether an applicant is ready for a VPP on-site evaluation and as a verification tool during VPP on-site evaluations. Each current VPP applicant is also required to submit an annual self-evaluation which addresses how that applicant is continuing its adherence to program requirements.