To Compliance… and Beyond!

For CIS members, mention of Oregon OSHA can conjure a range of reactions — positive or negative. For some, it calls to mind a strong, well-run safety committee and the progress made in reducing injuries while building a safety-first culture. For others, it may recall the most recent inspection that ended with a citation and a financial penalty. Either way, Oregon OSHA often inspires strong opinions about the agency and the important work it does.

In this edition of Safety Shorts, we’ll shine a light on some positive and proactive Oregon OSHA programs that may not receive a lot of fanfare — but should! We’ll focus on the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) and the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP), championed by Oregon OSHA’s Consultation Services Division.

Beyond Compliance — Option 1 (SHARP)

For employers that have been in business at least one year (including all CIS members), they’re eligible to apply for SHARP. Applicants must agree to several requirements, including:

• A comprehensive safety and health assessment of their workplace(s)

• Significant involvement of employees in the safety and health program

• Hazard correction and improvement of the safety and health management system

Requests for inclusion can be submitted in several ways and the primary requirement is a DART (Days Away, Restricted, & Transfer) rate below the national Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) industry average for your industry classification. Full participation in SHARP represents a five-year life cycle.

Key benefits include exemption from scheduled Oregon OSHA inspections (after second year program renewal) and SHARP designation serving as recognition within the community. More importantly, participants see safer workplaces with fewer injuries and illnesses, which can lead to lower workers’ compensation rates and other organizational costs. This aligns directly with CIS’ focus on prevention as the most effective risk-management strategy.

Beyond Compliance — Option 2 (VPP)

For employers that have been in business more than one year — and that already have an established safety committee — they can apply for the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP). Applicants for this program must already have a comprehensive and well-functioning safety and health management system, along with a three-year average total case incident rate (TCIR) and three-year combined overall DART rate at or below the standard BLS industry average.

The VPP application process is different from SHARP, requiring an application packet be submitted electronically or via hard copy to the VPP/SHARP Program Coordinator. If approved, a thorough on-site visit will be completed with Oregon OSHA before the organization is officially accepted into the program.

Key benefits of VPP include removal from routine scheduled Oregon OSHA inspection lists for the duration of participation, in addition to the SHARP benefits previously listed. Data show that VPP companies experience up to 80% fewer workplace injuries than an average organization of the same size and industry!

At CIS, our vision is to assist all members in becoming safer, stronger, and healthier — so every employee gets home safely to their families each day. Voluntary participation in one of these programs through Oregon OSHA is a practical way to support that vision, demonstrating to employees and the community that workplace safety is a shared priority.

Challenge Program

Feeling like your entity isn’t quite ready to apply for SHARP or VPP? You’re in luck — there is a more entry-level way to enhance your safety culture. Oregon OSHA’s Challenge Program gives organizations the chance to work closely with the Consultation Services Division on a shorter-term basis, while developing tools needed to become a safer and healthier workplace. Benefits include:

• Eliminating hazards that cause workplace injuries and/or illnesses

• Becoming self-reliant in managing your safety and health program

• Receiving a one-year deferral from routine safety inspections

  • Participants remain subject to inspections for cause (serious accidents, complaints or referrals)

Helpful Links

Interested in any of the programs discussed in this article? Check out these links to get started:

• Oregon OSHA homepage

• Challenge Program

• SHARP Program

• VPP Program

If you have any questions before contacting Oregon OSHA, or applying for one of these programs, please contact your assigned Risk Management Consultant (RMC).