The following is an ideal framework to achieve a fully-prepared organization. Starting with the identification of Emergency Operations Managers, Section Team Leaders and Scribes and, you will effectively begin the process of moving towards a fully implemented Emergency Operations Program and a culture of safety. Extensive company-wide training can be implemented over time.
VPP Eligibility Checklist with BERT as a framework:
The items listed below will help you determine your eligibility for the VPP. Remember, program elements must be in place for 1 year before you apply!
Management Leadership & Employee Involvement
- A managerial commitment to worker safety and health protection
- Top management’s personal involvement
- Safety and health concerns integrated into your overall planning cycle
- Safety and health protection managed in the same way as your productivity and quality are managed
- A written safety and health program appropriate for the size of your site and your equivalent industry that addresses all the elements in this checklist
- A results-oriented safety and health policy
- Clearly assigned safety and health responsibilities with documentation of accountability from top management to line supervisors
- Adequate authority given to carry out assigned responsibilities
- Necessary resources to meet responsibilities
- Quality protection for all contract employees equal to that provided for your own employees
- Meaningful employee involvement in activities that have a major effect on your safety and health program can be demonstrated
- Annual safety and health program evaluations with written narrative reports, recommendations for program changes, action plans, and verification procedures
Worksite Analysis
- A method such as comprehensive safety and industrial hygiene surveys to identify existing hazards in your workplace
- A pre-use analysis procedure for new processes, materials, or equipment to determine hazards
- Routine hazard analysis procedures such as JHAs, JSAs, BJAs, PHAs that result in improved work practices and/or training for employees
- A written hazard reporting system enabling employees to pass on their observations or concerns to management without fear of reprisal
- Accident investigations with written documentation
- Method of documenting all identified hazards until they are controlled or eliminated
- Analysis of trends in injury/illness experience and in hazards found, to identify patterns of problems and to implement program adjustments
Hazard Prevention And Control
- Access to certified safety and health professionals
- Engineering and administrative controls adequate for the hazards at the worksite
- Written safety rules and practices that are understood and followed by all employees
- A consistent disciplinary system applied to all employees (including supervisors and managers) who disregard the rules
- Written rules for use and maintenance of personal protective equipment
- Written plans to cover emergency situations
- Hazard correction tracking procedure
- Onsite or nearby medical and emergency services
- First aid and CPR-trained personnel available onsite during all shifts
- Use of occupational health professionals in hazard analysis as appropriate
- Documented ongoing monitoring and maintenance of workplace equipment
Safety And Health Training
- Manager, supervisor, and employee training with emphasis on safety and health responsibilities
- Training in the use and maintenance of personal protective equipment
- Emergency preparedness drills, including annual evacuations
- Documentation of all training received, including assessment procedures
Review
- All of your written safety and health programs and documentation relating to the programs (see the most recent VPP Federal Register Notice) available for OSHA review