This list was last updated December 12, 2024.

If you want to become a recognized leader in your industry and community, and you can demonstrate a commitment to safety and health, then the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) might be right for you. VPP recognizes employers and workers in the private industry and government agencies who have implemented effective safety and health management systems and maintain injury and illness rates below national Bureau of Labor Statistics averages for their respective industries.

Everyone benefits when a company achieves VPP status:

• Employers lower their workers’ compensation costs.
• Employees come home safely after work.
• Labor and management work together cooperatively.
• Company is identified in their industry for safety and health leadership.
• Communities recognize leadership in safety and health.

And there’s more. Being a VPP work site:

• Establishes a positive working relationship with L&I's Division of Occupational Safety and Health.
• Helps you avoid surprise workplace inspections.
• Offers opportunities to network with other VPP participants.
• Creates confidence that you are in compliance with safety and health regulations.
• Honors you with a nationally recognized VPP flag to display at your work site.

Principles of VPP

In VPP, management, labor and government work cooperatively and proactively to prevent fatalities, injuries and illness.

The principals are:

• Management commitment and Employee involvement
• Hazard prevention and control
• Worksite analysis
• Training

VPP application process checklist:

• Involve management and line staff in the process.
• Complete the VPP Self Checklist for determining your site’s readiness for VPP.
• Maintain your company's Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred (DART) rate and Total Case Incident Rate (TCIR) below the national average for your industry.
• Email the WA VPP Team or call them at 360-902-5431 to discuss your plans and set up an informal tour of your worksite.
• Consider a mentor and learn from someone who has successfully achieved VPP Status. The WA VPP Team can help you find someone if needed.
• Request a free, confidential full service L&I safety, health, and risk management consultation and work to ensure that all hazards are corrected.
• Submit your VPP application and PSM Supplement B (if your site is covered by the Process Safety Management (PSM) rule.

Voluntary Protection Program

• Elements of VPP
• VPP Self Checklist for Determining Your Site’s Readiness for VPP
• Gear Up For VPP
• Management of Change – Best Practices
• VPP Application
• VPP Application Supplement B for Process Safety Management (PSM) Sites
• VPP Manual
• Yearly Self – Evaluation Template for Current VPP Sites
• Yearly Self – Evaluation Supplement B for Current VPP Sites with PSM

Labor and Industries Resources Related to VPP

• L&I Safety & Health Web Site
• Recordkeeping (OSHA 300 Logs)
• Accident Prevention Program
• Request Consultation - Find out how L&I consultants can help you
• Safety Through Achieving Recognition Together (START)

VPP Resources from Others

• VPP 101 (VPPPA)
• OSHA Voluntary Protection Program
• Program Participants' Association (VPPPA)
• Region X VPPPA