Cal/VPP questions and answers

What is Cal/VPP Star?

It is a certification program designed to recognize employers whose occupational safety and health programs are exemplary and meet specific Cal/VPP Star guidelines.

Who can apply for Cal/VPP Star?

Employers who desire recognition for outstanding achievements in the development and implementation of their safety and health program.

What are the requirements?

The 5 elements of Cal/VPP Star include:

• Management Commitment
• 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.

What is the onsite evaluation?

It is a verification of the effective implementation of Cal/VPP Star 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 Star office and Special Team Members from Cal/VPP Star sites.

Who are Special Team Members?

Special Team Members (STM) are qualified candidates from the California VP Star 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

Please complete the request form for further information about the Cal/VPP Star Program.

• Faxed to 510-873-6470
  
  
• Emailed to CalVPP@dir.ca.gov or
  
  
• Mailed to: Cal VPP
  1515 Clay Street Suite 1190
  Oakland, CA 94612