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.

April 2017