OSHA's Cooperative Programs
OSHA offers the following cooperative programs under which businesses, labor
groups, and other organizations can work cooperatively with the Agency to help
prevent fatalities, injuries, and illnesses in the workplace. For help on
deciding which cooperative programs are right for you, see Find a Cooperative
Program.
If you are located in a State with an OSHA-approved State Plan, please contact your state agency for information
about cooperative programs.
Alliance Program participants do not receive exemptions from OSHA inspections or any other enforcement benefits.
Alliance Program |
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Through the Alliance Program, OSHA works with groups
committed to worker safety and health to prevent workplace fatalities,
injuries, and illnesses. These groups include unions, consulates, trade or
professional organizations, businesses, faith- and community-based
organizations, and educational institutions. OSHA and the groups work
together to develop compliance assistance tools and resources, share
information with workers and employers, and educate workers and employers
about their rights and responsibilities. Alliance Program participants do not receive exemptions from OSHA inspections or any other enforcement benefits.
More information on the Alliance Program
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OSHA Strategic Partnership Program (OSPP) |
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The OSPP provides the opportunity for OSHA to partner with employers, workers,
professional or trade associations, labor organizations, and/or other
interested stakeholders. OSHA Strategic Partnerships (OSP) are formalized
through unique agreements designed to encourage, assist, and recognize partner
efforts to eliminate serious hazards and achieve model workplace safety and
health practices. Each OSHA Strategic Partnership establishes specific goals,
strategies, and performance measures to improve worker safety and health. OSP
models include those focused on improving safety and health in major
corporations/government agencies, at large construction projects, and for
entire industries. The OSPP is available to private sector industries and
government agencies in locales where OSHA has jurisdiction.
More information on the
OSHA Strategic Partnership Program (OSPP)
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Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) |
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The VPP recognize employers and workers in the private industry and
federal agencies who have implemented effective safety and health management
systems and maintain injury and illness rates below national Bureau of Labor
Statistics averages for their respective industries. In VPP, management,
labor, and OSHA work cooperatively and proactively to prevent fatalities,
injuries, and illnesses through a system focused on: hazard prevention and
control; worksite analysis; training; and management commitment and worker
involvement. To participate, employers must submit an application to OSHA and
undergo a rigorous onsite evaluation by a team of safety and health
professionals. Union support is required for applicants represented by a
bargaining unit. VPP participants are re-evaluated every three to five years
to remain in the programs. VPP participants are exempt from OSHA programmed
inspections while they maintain their VPP status.
More information on the
Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP)
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OSHA Challenge Program |
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OSHA Challenge provides interested employers and workers the
opportunity to gain assistance in improving their safety and health management
systems. Challenge Administrators experienced in safety and health guide
Challenge Participants through a three-stage process to implement an effective
system to prevent fatalities, injuries, and illnesses. An on-line tool is
provided which breaks down the actions, documentation, and results desired.
Graduates of OSHA Challenge receive recognition from OSHA as they
incrementally improve their safety and health management systems. OSHA
Challenge is available to general industry and construction employers in the
private and public sectors under OSHA’s federal jurisdiction.
More information on the OSHA Challenge Program
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Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) |
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Employers that have a full On-site Consultation visit and meet other
requirements may be recognized under SHARP for their exemplary safety and
health management systems. Worksites that receive SHARP recognition are exempt
from programmed inspections during the period that the SHARP certification is
valid.
More information on the
Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP)
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