VPP Statement
Early in 2006, Lytle Electric started the journey towards the OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program.
The Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) promote effective worksite-based safety and health. In the VPP, management, labor, and OSHA establish cooperative relationships at workplaces that have implemented a comprehensive safety and health management system. Approval into VPP is OSHA’s official recognition of the outstanding efforts of employers and employees who have achieved exemplary occupational safety and health.
In practice, VPP sets performance-based criteria for a managed safety and health system, invites sites to apply, and then assesses applicants against these criteria. OSHA’s verification includes an application review and a rigorous onsite evaluation by a team of OSHA safety and health experts. After the onsite evaluation in 2009, Lytle Electric Co. became the first Electrical contractor in the state of Illinois to receive the coveted accreditation. Lytle was awarded the VPP Star which is Recognition for employers and employees who demonstrate exemplary achievement in the prevention and control of occupational safety and health hazards the development, implementation and continuous improvement of their safety and health management system.
Statistical evidence for VPP’s success is impressive. The average VPP worksite has a Days Away Restricted or Transferred (DART) case rate of 52% below the average for its industry. This proved to be the case with the injury rates at Lytle. The reductions in injuries and illnesses began when the site commits to the VPP approach to safety and health management and the challenging VPP application process. Entire industries benefit as VPP sites evolve into models of excellence and influence practices industry-wide. VPP participants are re-evaluated every three to five years to remain in the programs. Lytle Electric was reaccredited in 2012 with Star status. The company is still the only electrical contractor in the state of Illinois to obtain the accreditation and currently there are 13 electrical contractors in the United States active with the VPP.
