Old VPP Model (4 Elements)
- Management Leadership and Employee Involvement
- Worksite Analysis
- Hazard Prevention and Control
- Safety and Health Training [in.gov]
New VPP Model (7 Elements)
- Management Leadership
- Worker Participation
- Hazard Identification and Assessment
- Hazard Prevention and Control
- Education and Training
- Program Evaluation and Improvement
- Communication and Coordination (host employers, contractors, staffing agencies) [safetyandh…gazine.com], [ihmm.org]
What Changed?
1. Management Leadership and Employee Involvement Split Into Two Elements
Old: One combined element.
New:
- Management Leadership
- Worker Participation
OSHA is emphasizing that leadership commitment and worker engagement are equally important and should be evaluated separately. [ihmm.org], [safetyandh…gazine.com]
2. Worksite Analysis Became Hazard Identification and Assessment
Old: Focused on inspections, hazard analysis, and recognition.
New: More explicit emphasis on:
- Identifying hazards
- Assessing risk
- Continuous monitoring
- Risk-based decision-making
This aligns VPP more closely with modern safety management systems such as ISO 45001. [ihmm.org], [safetyandh…gazine.com]
3. Safety and Health Training Expanded
Old: Safety and Health Training
New: Education and Training
The change broadens expectations to include:
- Competency development
- Leadership training
- Worker education
- Contractor education
Not just compliance training. [ihmm.org], [safetyandh…gazine.com]
4. Program Evaluation and Improvement Added
This is a completely new standalone element.
OSHA now expects organizations to demonstrate:
- Formal program reviews
- Performance metrics
- Internal audits
- Corrective actions
- Continuous improvement processes
Organizations already using QAPI, Kaizen, or PDCA methodologies will have an advantage here. [ihmm.org], [safetyandh…gazine.com]
5. Communication and Coordination Added
Another new standalone element.
Focuses on:
- Contractors
- Temporary staffing agencies
- Vendor coordination
- Multi-employer worksites
- Information sharing and hazard communication
This is especially important where multiple employers or contractors work on the same site.
