August 4, 2006—A nationwide Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) initiative aimed at meeting the unique needs and characteristics of the construction industry was unveiled recently by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Administrator Ed Foulke.
The Mobile Workforce VPP Demonstration for Construction will join VPP Corporate Pilot and OSHA Challenge Pilot as the newest component of OSHA’s premier cooperative program that recognizes and promotes effective health and safety management systems.
“This initiative aims to provide the mobile construction workforce and short term projects with the same opportunity for recognition that fixed site employers receive,” said Foulke. “We believe our proposal has the potential to significantly contribute to reductions in injuries, illnesses, and fatalities in one of the nation’s most hazardous industries.”
The new demonstration is based on the agency’s VPP experience as well as successes garnered through the construction-related Mobile Workforce and Short-Term Construction Star Demonstration Programs. The core of the initiative continues to rest on the principle of effective safety and health management systems.
However, it is unique from traditional VPP programs in that it adds new procedures and requirements that recognize the unique aspects of the construction industry. For example, the program allows for participation at the company, division, or business unit levels.
For more information, visit the OSHA Web site.
