144 Introduction to OSHA

Partnering with OSHA

OSHA Alliance Program: The OSHA Alliance Program enables OSHA to develop voluntary, collaborative working relationships with organizations that are committed to workplace safety and health. Through the Alliance Program, OSHA works with organizations such as trade and professional associations, labor unions, educational institutions, community and faith-based groups, and government agencies to share information about OSHA’s initiatives and compliance assistance resources with workers and employers, and educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities.

Participants in the Alliance Program do not receive any exemptions from OSHA inspections or other enforcement actions.

Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program: The On-site Consultation Program's Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) recognizes small business employers who operate an exemplary injury and illness prevention program.

Being accepted into SHARP by OSHA is a prestigious achievement that sets your worksite apart as a model of safety and health for other businesses. Once your worksite receives SHARP recognition, it is exempt from OSHA programmed inspections for the duration of the SHARP certification.

OSHA's Voluntary Protection Program: The Voluntary Protection Programs (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.

To participate, employers must apply 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.

Participants in the VPP are exempt from OSHA programmed inspections as long as they maintain their VPP status.

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