Cal/VPP Questions and Answers
What is Cal/VPP?
It is a certification program designed to recognize employers whose occupational safety and health programs are exemplary and meet specific Cal/VPP guidelines.
Who can apply for Cal/VPP?
Employers who desire recognition for outstanding achievements in the development and implementation of their safety and health program.
What are the requirements?
The 6 elements of Cal/VPP include:
- Management Commitment
- Employee Involvement
- Worksite Analysis
- Hazard Prevention & Control
- Health and Safety Training
- Continual Improvement
The applicant submits documents to support the implementation of Cal/VPP elements with the last 3 years average DART (Days Away From Work, Days of Restricted Work Activity or Job Transfer) and TCIR (Total Case Incident Rates). See Employer Application Guidelines at http://www.dir.ca.gov/DOSH/cal_vpp/guidelines.html. Both rates must be below 90% of the most recent specific industry average published by Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
What is the onsite evaluation?
It is a verification of the effective implementation of Cal/VPP requirements by the applicant.
Note: If an employer has multiple sites, each location will require a separate application. A separate certificate will be awarded for each as this is a site-specific program.
Who does the onsite evaluation?
Designated Safety and Health consultants from the Cal/OSHA VPP office and Special Team Members from Cal/VPP sites.
Who are Special Team Members?
Special Team Members (STM) are qualified candidates from the California VP sites invited to participate as a team member in the Cal/OSHA VPP team onsite evaluations and pre-visit processes. Assistance from STMs enable Cal/VPP team to evaluate more applicants and provides a mutual opportunity to the site and STM for training and sharing programs and ideas for continuous improvement. All STMs are certified by receiving an in-classroom and on-the-job training for a two-year term of service.
How much does it cost?
Cal/VPP services are provided at no cost to the applicant.
What are the advantages?
Employers that achieved VPP status report several advantages including:
- recognition by peers, State and local governments,
- increased employee involvement,
- improved quality of products and productivity of employees,
- improved partnership with government,
- reduction in injuries and illnesses, and
- exemption from routine Cal/OSHA programmed inspections
What is Cal/Reach program?
The Cal/Reach program recognizes participants that have good safety and health management systems but must take additional steps to reach Cal/Star quality. The Cal/VPP team determines that a site has demonstrated the commitment and resources to receive Cal/Reach recognition.