Voluntary Protection Program
Cintas supports the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Act, which was introduced in the House with the goal of making workplace health and safety programs for both public and private employers permanent. The Senate is expected to introduce its version of the VPP in the second quarter of 2013.
The bill also seeks to expand the existing Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) program to include more small businesses. The VPP Act directs the Secretary of Labor to enter into cooperative agreements with employers to:
- Encourage establishment of comprehensive safety and health management systems to protect employees from occupational hazards.
- Establish a voluntary protection program to encourage excellence and recognize its achievement in both the technical and managerial protection of employees from occupational hazards.
Cintas is an active member of the program. As of February 25, 2013 a total of 352 company locations have achieved or are pursuing external recognition under the VPP, SHARP, COR and other programs. This is an increase of 68.4% over the 209 locations that were involved in this initiative at the end of FY12. Seven locations achieved VPP recognition in 2012. Six of the locations earned VPP Star certification and one location achieved VPP Merit certification.
SPONSORS
In the House, the bill is sponsored by Rep. Thomas “Tom” Petri (R-WI) and Rep. Gene Green (D-TX). Current status of the bill is that it has been referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. The Senate bill will be sponsored by Sen. Michael Enzi, R-Wyo. and Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-LA.
MORE INFORMATION
Text and summary of H.R. 632 http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/D?d113:1:./temp/~bdqg4L::|/home/LegislativeData.php
