The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will hold the second of two meetings Aug. 28, 2017, in New Orleans, LA, to continue the discussion on the future direction of the agency’s Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP). The discussion will include a review of the July 17, 2017, meeting along with comments and suggestions from the public on potential avenues for action.

OSHA is seeking to reshape VPP so that it continues to represent safety and health excellence, leverages partner resources, further recognizes the successes of long-term participants, and supports smart program growth. OSHA invites stakeholders to provide new ideas on three broad categories which include:

·       Overall VPP process and flow;

·       Corporate/long-term participant involvement; and

·       Special Government Employee activities.

The meeting will be held Aug. 28, 1 to 4 p.m. in Great Hall B of the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. To attend, please register by Aug. 23, 2017. Attendees can choose from several levels of participation in the discussion, which will cover general guidelines and key issues that were raised in public comments. The comment period closes Sept. 15, 2017.

OSHA adopted the VPP on July 2, 1982; the program emphasizes cooperative action among government, industry, and labor to address worker safety and health issues and expand worker protection.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.