Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger released the following statement upon introduction of H.R. 2363, the Voluntary Protection Program Act, along with original co-sponsors Representative Mike Thompson (D-CA) and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY). This bill would codify an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) program that provides incentives to businesses with a demonstrated commitment to worker safety and health. Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) businesses are exempt from certain OSHA bureaucratic requirements, which has led to injury and illness rates 50 percent lower than industry averages.
“The Voluntary Protection Program has been proven to both protect workers and ensure that partner businesses committed to worker safety are not burdened by costly fines,” said Congresswoman Harshbarger. “OSHA should be committed to helping businesses comply with worker safety regulations rather than taking a scorched-earth, enforcement-only approach. Enshrining the Voluntary Protection Program into law will ensure that OSHA continues supporting businesses that are committed to the safety of their workers.”
Voluntary Protection Programs Participants’ Association, Inc. (VPPPA), Chairperson Terry Schulte added, “The members of VPPPA are a passionate group of safety professionals who have dedicated their professional lives to ensuring the health, welfare, and safety of workers everywhere. We cannot emphasize enough the importance of the VPP and therefore the introduction of the VPP Act (H.R. 2363).”
The bill’s companion legislation in the Senate was introduced by Senator Mike Braun (R-IN), with original co-sponsors Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Burr (R-NC) and Tim Scott (R-SC).
Quick facts on the Voluntary Protection Program Act:
- VPP business sites have injury and illness rates 50 percent lower than industry averages.
- VPP safeguards nearly 1 million workers at 2,200 worksites across the U.S. For a full list, visit here.
- VPP saves private sector employers $257 million and public sector employers $30 million in workers’ compensation, insurance, and lost time costs by promoting safer workplaces.
To view text of the bill, click here.
Original source can be found here.
