OSHA Seeks Comment on Extension of Information-Collection Requirements of Voluntary Protection Program

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is soliciting public comments regarding its request for an extension of the information-collection requirements of the Voluntary Protection Program. In particular, OSHA specifies that it is looking for comments on the following issues: "Whether the proposed requirements are necessary for the proper performance of the Agency's function; the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of the burden (time and costs) of the information-collection requirements; the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; and ways to minimize the burden on employers who must comply."

The program for which this request is being submitted--the Voluntary Protection Program--was designed to establish cooperation among government, industry, and labor to address worker safety and health issues and to expand worker protection. To qualify for the program, employers are required to meet OSHA's rigorous safety and health management criteria. These criteria focus on active employee involvement and comprehensive management systems to prevent or control worksite safety and health hazards. Employers who qualify usually set their own more stringent standards to improve employee protection, using OSHA standards as a minimum level of safety and health performance.

OSHA's proposal is to extend the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) approval of the collection-of-information (paperwork) requirements necessitated by the Voluntary Protection Program. OSHA notes in the Federal Register notice that it will summarize the comments received in response to the notice and will include this summary in its request to OMB to extend the approval of these information-collection requirements. OSHA does not mention how long of an extension they are seeking from OMB.