began in 1982 to recognize workplace excellence in promoting worker safety and health. The basic premise of the programs is cooperation among labor, management and government.

 

VPP recognizes outstanding efforts to implement effective safety and health management systems. The Special Government Employees (SGE) Program was created in 1994. As the popularity of VPP grew, OSHA needed additional personnel to conduct on-site evaluations for new and existing VPP participants. With the assistance of the VPP Participants’ Association (VPPPA), the concept of "qualified volunteers" or SGEs was developed.

 

By using SGEs as on-site evaluation team members, OSHA can significantly leverage its limited resources, gaining safety and health expertise and the perspectives of labor and industry representatives. In return, SGEs have an opportunity to understand the OSHA perspective and observe best practices in safety and health implemented at many VPP applicant and participant worksites. Today, hundreds of trained VPP SGEs take part in this innovative program.

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