Spreading the message...
The Voluntary Protection Programs Participants' Association, Inc., is dedicated to spreading the word about VPP and other voluntary occupational safety, health and environmental programs. The association works as a liaison between member sites and the news media to promote the successes of VPP companies. The association is also committed to keeping members informed of the latest regulatory developments, industry news and association activities through several printed and electronic publications.
Mentoring
The award-winning VPPPA Mentoring Program is a formal process to assist companies/facilities interested in the VPP or improving their safety and health management systems. The program matches interested sites with current VPP Star sites to help them achieve VPP recognition. The association utilizes a network of regional coordinators and agency officials in establishing a mentoring relationship. Depending on preferences indicated on the VPPPA Mentoring Application Form, coordinators consider similar experiences, industries, geographic location and union representation when choosing prospective mentors. Once a match has been made, the sites form a unique relationship based on the needs of the mentored site and the time and resources available to the mentor.
The VPPPA Mentoring Program is a free resource provided by the association to sites regardless of membership status. For more information, please e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Region VI needs SGE's
The SGE Program was established to allow industry employees to work alongside OSHA during Voluntary Protection Programs' (VPP) onsite evaluations. Not only does this innovative program benefit OSHA by supplementing its on-site evaluation teams, but it gives industry and government an opportunity to work together and share views and ideas. Qualified volunteers from VPP sites are eligible to participate in the SGE program. These volunteers must be approved by OSHA and funded by their companies to participate. After submitting an application and completing the required training, these volunteers are sworn in as SGEs and are approved to assist as VPP on-site evaluation team members. As VPP grows, the support of SGEs will continue to be a critical component of the programs. The SGE Program encompasses the spirit of VPP - industry, labor, and government cooperation. This cooperation embodies the idea of continuous improvement, which allows SGEs to bring a unique perspective to the team effort and take back to their sites ideas and best practices to further improve worker protections.
What is the role of Special Government Employee?
How can I qualify to participate as an SGE?
What kind of training do I need?
SGE Benefits
OSHA Announces New Benefit for SGEs
SGE Testimonials
National SGE of the Year
List of Active SGEs
Becoming a VPP Special Government Employee
SGE Photo Gallery
Contact the OSHA Office of Partnerships and Recognition at (202) 693-2213 or the VPP Manager at your OSHA Regional Office for further assistance.
Cost Savings Example
Workers comp reduced dramatically at Welco Lumber
Workers'-compensation costs fell from $274,000 in 2000 to $10,000 in 2004.
At one point in 2003, the plant had gone 377 days without a lost-time accident, but then it had an injury and restarted the count. By the time the mill received the award last week, it had gone 426 days without a lost-time accident. Aside from a disappearance of injuries like sprained wrists and torn muscles, the change showed up in other ways. Production went up 28 percent as workers learned that trying to move perhaps 20 pieces of lumber at once, and then incurring several hours of downtime, wasn't as effective as moving 10 at a time and being able to keep working.
