OSHA and the VPP

Who is OSHA and What is their Job?

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration• In 1970 Congress created laws regulating safety in the workplace. This is called the Occupational Safety

and Health Act. (OSH Act)• OSHA gets to decide what safety looks like in the workplace

• OSHA’s job is to protect American workers from workplace hazards• It is the employers responsibility to provide a safe & healthful work environment• It is the employees responsibility to follow established work rules and training that the employer provides

Before OSHA, injuries and loss of life were often looked as just part of doing business…..stuff happens, right?

There is a 75% decrease in workplace fatalities each year compared to the annual fatality toll each year before OSHA came into being

How Does OSHA Obtain Compliance from Employers in the Workplace

One way is for employers to become part of OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program which is a cooperative endeavor between the government and the employer

What is OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program? (VPP)

OSHA implemented in 1982“Encourages employers and employees in their efforts to reduce the number of

occupational safety and health hazards at their places of employment………..and”

“Stimulate employers and employees to institute new and perfect existing programs for providing safe and healthful working conditions”

The VPP Process

Management Commitment & Employee Involvement

Everybody’s engaged in the process….from top to bottom

VPP….process?

From the top of the organization

Down through the workforce……..the folks doing the work

Axcet Employee Engagement CommitteeAndy Gampher

Andrew Spidle

Donna Patnode

Jeanette Coleman

Kat Merriman

Sarah Rhorer

Sharon Hindman

Tammy Crutchfield

Last year the Axcet VPP committee was changed to the Employee Engagement committee. This committee sets the guidance and agenda for Employee

involvement in many ways INCLUDING the Safety Processes here at Axcet

VPP….process?

Management Commitment & Employee Involvement

Everybody’s engaged in the process….from top to bottom

Worksite AnalysisFind the hazards…what are they?….where are they?

VPP….how do you get it?

Worksite AnalysisPhysical Hazards

VPP….how do you get it?

Worksite AnalysisBehavioral Hazards

VPP….how do you get it?

Worksite AnalysisMonthly Facility Inspections

VPP….process?

Management Commitment & Employee Involvement

Everybody’s engaged in the process….from top to bottom

Worksite AnalysisFind the hazards…what are they….where are they

Hazard PreventionHow we eliminate or reduce the hazard

Set Expectations with Visitors

• Vendors• Internal Auditors• Temporary associates• Guests

Physical Hazards that are the responsibility of the landlord are

reported immediately and followed up on.

Internal issues are addressed quickly

VPP….process?

Management Commitment & Employee Involvement

Everybody’s engaged in the process….from top to bottom

Worksite AnalysisFind the hazards…what are they….where are they

Hazard PreventionHow we eliminate or reduce the hazard

Safety TrainingEveryone must know how to react and behave

VPP….process?

Axcet HRCompany Safety

Training2016

VPP….how do you get it?

ApplicationVerification

Award

Axcet was Accepted in September 2010Celebrated in January 2011

Award Celebration January 2011

Can’t Celebrate without Food

Axcet Team Accepting the Star Flag

Because of our participation and outstanding injury record (zero OSHA recordable Injuries……….great job)

We have been recognized by the VPPPA each year since 2011 with the “Star of Excellence Award”

at the Annual VPPPA Convention

Axcet belongs to the VPPPA(Voluntary Protection Program Participant’s Association)

In 2015 our own Risk Director Steve Donovan was elected to the VPPPA Board of Directors

How Does OSHA Obtain Compliance from Employers in the Workplace

The OTHER way is through their (OSHA’s) right to inspect workplaces and cite employers for non-compliance to the myriad of safety regulations that they have put in place to protect the American worker.

Citations that are categorized as Serious can carry monetary penalties of up to $12,500 per.

Citations that are categorized as Willful or Repeat can carry monetary penalties of up to $125,000 per.

Do Axcet clients ever have these kind of interfaces with OSHA?

The answer is unfortunately yes.Since 2011 Axcet clients have interfaced with OSHA 18 times.These can range from employee complaints to self reported injuries to worksite

inspections.It always our desire for OSHA to go into a client facility and walk out satisfied

that Safety Regulations are adhered to 100% but that is a client management decision to maintain OSHA compliance.

In many instances we have assisted our client in abatement of the problem and in dealing with OSHA to negotiate settlement of citations. We have helped our clients save over $39,000 in monetary penalties

Axcet VPP Participation

Axcet is proud of our Star Worksite designation and what it represents. It represents YOU and the way you all handle your responsibilities with safety. You do a great job ensuring that Axcet is a safe place to work. It is part of the “Axcet Advantage” . Please continue with your endeavor to enhance and maintain our outstanding safety culture