Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP)

What It Means

The Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) were established in 1982 to recognize and promote effective safety and health management. Employers who apply and meet rigorous requirements earn Star, Merit, or Star Demonstration status, which exempts them from routine programmed OSHA inspections. To qualify for Star status — the highest level — an employer must demonstrate that their injury and illness rates are below the national average for their industry, maintain a comprehensive safety and health management system, and show active employee involvement in the safety program. The application process involves a detailed written submission followed by an on-site evaluation by a team of OSHA experts. VPP sites are re-evaluated every three to five years to maintain their status. As of recent data, approximately 2,300 worksites participate in VPP. These sites collectively employ over one million workers and maintain injury rates 50% or more below their industry averages. On OSHARecord, VPP participants typically have high Safety Scores (A or B grades) because their violation histories are minimal and their safety cultures are strong. VPP is sometimes considered OSHA's gold standard for workplace safety management.

Frequently Asked Questions