ABSTRACT
This chapter presents and discusses the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Voluntary Protection Program (VPP). OSHA’s on-site evaluation for VPP status includes: conferences with company officials and employees, review of safety documentation, plant walkthroughs, and interviews with a wide variety of plant and contractor employees. OSHA requires that the safety program provides for the encouragement of employee involvement in the structure and operation of the program and in decisions that affect their safety and health, so that they will commit their insight and energy to achieving the safety and health program’s goals and objectives. Emergency planning must provide for the safety of employees and the public, protect property and the environment, and establish methods to restore operations to normal as soon as possible. The chain of command for emergency plans should be as short as possible and should be staffed with employees capable of responding well in pressure situations.
