ASH has provided gap analysis, oversight and auditing for over 40 OSHA VPP STAR sites. Our proven and reliable programs, developed by former Special Government Employees (SGE’s), are a unique and efficient way to determine your gaps to attaining VPP, as well as a full complement of services to take your company/site from introducing what VPP is and its benefits all the way through the OSHA On-Site Assessments and on-going Annual Self Assessments.

If you are interested in becoming a VPP company and/or site, ASH is the fastest and most economical way to attaining your STAR.

ASH has assisted various customers in VPP Certification and Re-Certification; including the largest power plant in the United States, Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station. ASH assisted the facility, its employees and contractor on their journey to a successful initial certification and their first recertification in January of 2016.

What is VPP

• VPP stands for Voluntary Protection Program. VPP is a cooperative partnership involving the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the employer and the employees to go above and beyond the OSHA standards and thus achieve a safer, healthier work environment. OSHA encourages companies to improve their occupational safety and health programs through participation in VPP.

General Requirements for VPP

• The central element that qualifies the company sites to participate in VPP is an effective, ongoing (and written) safety and health program. A strong safety and health program shows commitment to eliminating injuries and illnesses beyond satisfying the requirements of OSHA. At the heart of VPP is active employee involvement in safety and health program activities to sustain and continually improve them. OSHA requires written commitment to the process from senior management as well as union leadership, where applicable to be eligible.

Four Cornerstones of VPP

• To participate in VPP and be recognized by OSHA as a model workplace, a site must clearly demonstrate to OSHA that it meets the four cornerstone requirements of VPP. The four cornerstones form the basis for the sites written safety and health program. Briefly the four are:
  • Management Commitment and Employee Involvement – where management provide the leadership, planning and resources for the program and employees remain actively involved in program decisions and improvements affecting safety;
  • Worksite Analysis – where the basic conditions of the facility and hazards associated with work at the site have been effectively evaluated and documented through sampling, monitoring and inspections;
  • Hazard Prevention and Control – where methods are implemented to recognize, evaluate, eliminate, control and mitigate the hazards of the work, including injuries and other emergencies;
  • Safety and Health Training – where employees are informed and educated about safety and health requirements and hazards through an effective documented training program.

 

ASH Supporting Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station VPP

 

 

ASH Provides Leadership for Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Stations Pre-Recertification VPP Evaluation