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OSHA ChallengeRoadmap to VPPPermian Basin STEPS

Jerry JacobsChallenge Coordinator Patterson-UTI Drilling

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What is VPP??

Voluntary Protection Program

In 1982 OSHA wanted to recognize and partner with businesses or worksites that showed excellence in occupational safety and health.

Go “Beyond Compliance”

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VPP Philosophy

Official recognition for safety and health

excellence

Assistance in efforts to reach safety & health

excellence

Balanced and cooperative approach to resolve

safety & health issues

Models of excellence

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VPP Philosophy

Does not diminish employer or employee

rights or responsibilities under the OSHA Act

Requires major effort by employers, employees &

OSHA to prevent and eliminate workplace

hazards

Requires trust among employers,

employees and OSHA

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VPP Today

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Current Issues with VPP

OSHA VPP Coordinators cannot keep up with the number of

applications

Not enough mentors

for current application

s

Companies with high incident

rates cannot apply

Time sensitive, once a

company starts the process

they are under a time limit to

finish

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ge OSHA Challenge Program – 2004

Open to any company regardless of incident rate

Administration of program by non-paid groups and institutions

OSHA has limited involvement – no additional staff necessary – better manage current projects

No time limits to complete program

Solution

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OSHA Challenge Stage I(Analysis & Plan)

OSHA Challenge Stage II(Design & Implement)

OSHA Challenge Stage III(Evaluate & Improve)

Roadmap

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CHALLENGERoadmap to VPP

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Challenge Overview

Provides a road map for implementing safety and health (S&H) management systems to improve worker safety and health

Recognizes participant-employers for incremental improvements in their S&H management systems

Network resources with other Challenge Participants

Each stage covers items of the VPP Program

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Challenge is open to employers under OSHA’s jurisdiction who:

• Are interested in and committed to improving their safety and health management systems

• Seek information, training, or other assistance in implementing or improving their safety and health management systems

Who Can Participate In Challenge?

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Steps to Challenge Program

Initial Contact with Washington DC & Administrator Assigned

Application and Commitment Letter Sent Approval & Acceptance

Complete Three Stages of the program

• Participants will be required to show progression through the stages

• There is a set of action steps which must be performed to move from stage to stage

• Verification audit by Administrator at the end of each stage

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Incentives and Recognition

OSHA will offer incentives and recognition at: • Initial commitment and acceptance • The completion of each stage • Examples: Letters, names on web page,

priority for VPP evaluation

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Challenge Stages

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Challenge Stages

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Four Elements

1. Management Leadership & Employee Involvement

2. Worksite Analysis

3. Hazard Prevention & Control

4. Safety & Health Training

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Requirements

Mandatory:

•Hazards identified and corrected•Number and severity of injuries and illnesses•Leading indicators for management commitment and employee involvement

Suggested:

•Pre- and post-employee surveys•Worker’s compensation data•Employee absenteeism and turnover rates•Productivity Levels

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Recognition and Incentives:

Stage ILetter from Area Director upon completion of Stage I requirements

Stage IILetter from Regional Administrator upon completion of Stage II requirementsRecognition on OSHA’s web site and in OSHA publications

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Recognition and Incentives:Stage III

Certificate of graduation from Challenge from the Assistant Secretary of OSHA

Recognition on OSHA’s web site and in OSHA publications

Removal from OSHA’s programmed inspection list upon OSHA’s acceptance of a VPP application for Merit/Star

Discounts for participation in OSHA training and other educational events

Priority scheduling of an on-site visit for VPP evaluation

Penalty reductions

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Getting Started

• Contact Christian Wojnar with OSHA in Washington DC.

Wojnar.christian@dol.gov• Request Application• Acceptance into Program• Administrator assigned• Begin Program