OSHA Seeks Comments on VVP Information Collection Procedures
March 28, 2008 // Published as a news service by IHS
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The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is requesting public comment on proposed information collection requirements for the Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP).
Established in 1982 to promote cooperation among government, industry and labor in the area of employee protection, the VPP recognizes effective worksite-based safety and health management systems.
Approval into VPP is OSHA's recognition of the "outstanding" efforts of employers and employees who achieved exemplary occupational safety and health, according to OSHA.
In order to earn and maintain VPP approval, participants must apply for entry into the program and undergo annual evaluations that indicate adherence to ongoing procedural enhancements and requirements.
OSHA recently modified procedures for VPP applicants including on-site evaluations and annual participant self-evaluations. In order to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of these procedures, OSHA invited interested stakeholders to submit comments on the following aspects of the VPP:
- Whether the information collection requirements are necessary for the proper performance of the agency's functions including whether the information is useful.
- The accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden (time and costs) of the information collection requirements including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used.
- The quality, utility and clarity of the information collected.
- Ways to minimize the burden on employers who must comply, for example, by using automated or other technological information collection and transmission techniques.
Information on submission of comments regarding the VPP is available at the Federal Register at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20081800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/E8-3153.htm.
Source: American National Standards Institute (ANSI).