                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

VOLUNTARY PROTECTION PROGRAM (§ 40.1-49.13)

A. As used in this section:
			&#8220;Model system&#8221; means an exemplary, voluntarily implemented worker
safety and health management system that (i) implements comprehensive safety and
health programs that exceed basic compliance with occupational safety and health
laws and regulations and (ii) meets the VPP standards adopted by the Safety and
Health Codes Board pursuant to subsection B.
			&#8220;Voluntary Protection Program&#8221; or &#8220;VPP&#8221; means a
program under which the Commissioner recognizes and partners with workplaces in
which a model system has been implemented.

B. The Safety and Health Codes Board shall adopt definitions, rules,
regulations, and standards necessary for the operation of the Voluntary
Protection Program in a manner that will promote safe and healthy workplaces
throughout the Commonwealth. The standards for the VPP shall include the
following requirements for VPP participation:

   1. Upper management leadership and active and meaningful employee involvement;

   2. Systematic assessment of occupational hazards;

   3. Comprehensive hazard prevention, mitigation, and control programs;

   4. Employee safety and health training; and

   5. Safety and health program evaluation.

C. Applications for participation in the VPP shall be submitted by the
workplace&#8217;s management. Applications shall include documentation
establishing to the satisfaction of the Commissioner that the employer meets all
standards for VPP participation.

D. The Department shall provide for onsite evaluations by VPP evaluation teams
of each workplace that has applied to participate in the VPP to determine that
the applicant&#8217;s workplace complies with the standards for VPP
participation.

E. A workplace&#8217;s continued participation in the VPP shall be conditioned
on compliance with the standards for VPP participation, as determined by
periodic onsite evaluations by VPP evaluation teams.

F. During periods in which a workplace is a participant in the VPP, the
workplace shall be exempt from inspections or investigations under &#xA7;
40.1-49.4; however, this exception shall not apply to inspections or
investigations of the workplace arising from complaints, referrals, fatalities,
catastrophes, nonfatal accidents, or significant toxic chemical releases.

HISTORY: 2015, cc. 20, 339.