The California Voluntary Protection Program (Cal/VPP) is a program run by the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA). It recognizes employers who have implemented effective health and safety management systems in the workplace. VPP is an employee owned – management supported, highly engaging safety and health management program that leads to improvements in injury/illness rates, employee engagement and morale, reliability and product quality. Overall, Cal/VPP encourages continuous improvement in workplace safety practices and acknowledges those who maintain a proactive and effective approach to occupational health and safety.
OCWR’s journey toward improving safety standards began in 2019, when a Gap Analysis was conducted by a consultant to assess existing safety protocols and identify areas for improvement. Following this analysis, the agency developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to standardize processes and ensure consistency in safety practices. A Near Miss Reporting System was implemented to encourage employees to report potential hazards before they result in incidents. To foster a proactive approach to safety, an Employee-Driven Safety Committee was established, and Safety Performance Observation Talk (S.P.O.T.) checks were introduced as part of regular safety assessments. Additionally, the agency rolled out various safety programs and training sessions, covering critical topics such as Lockout Tagout, Confined Space Awareness, and Bloodborne Pathogens. Root Cause Analyses were adopted to address underlying issues contributing to safety incidents, and efforts to enhance the safety culture within the organization led to the addition of a dedicated Sr. Safety Specialist at each landfill. These initiatives collectively reflect the agency's commitment to creating a safer work environment and promoting a culture of continuous improvement in workplace safety.
A mentorship was established to further enhance the agency's safety initiatives. The mentorship application was submitted on July 10, 2024, with Manuel Jimenez from Sherwin Williams selected as our mentor. In October, another Gap Analysis was performed to assess the progress made and identify additional areas for improvement. Moving forward, the agency will work closely with our mentors to refine safety practices and strategies, with the goal of submitting a comprehensive application by June 1, 2025. This mentorship is seen as a crucial step toward advancing the agency's safety programs and ensuring continuous development in workplace safety standards.
Question (Q): Please share how the VPP Road Show came to fruition.
Answer (A): OCWR created a management commitment letter to Environmental Health and Safety in support of the VPP and came up with the idea to print it in a poster-sized format for staff to sign. On January 30, 2025, the idea was presented at the All-Hands meeting, where it was decided to take the poster on a "road show" to all the sites in order to gather signatures from employees across the organization. This initiative was aimed at fostering a sense of collective responsibility and support for the agency’s commitment to safety and the VPP program.
Q: Why is it important and how does the poster board with signatures come into play?
A: The poster board with signatures is an important symbolic gesture that highlights the agency’s collective commitment to safety and the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP). By having all staff members sign the poster, it reinforces the idea that workplace safety is a shared responsibility and that everyone plays a role in upholding high safety standards. It serves as a visible reminder of the organization's dedication to creating a safe environment and shows that safety is a top priority for both management and employees. The signatures also foster a sense of ownership and unity, strengthening the safety culture across all sites and demonstrating a unified commitment to VPP's principles and goals.
Once the road show is complete, copies of the poster will be made, matted, and framed. These framed posters will then be prominently displayed at each landfill and HQ, giving all staff the opportunity to see and enjoy the sight of their own signature. This will help reinforce a sense of pride and personal investment in safety.
Q: How do you feel going out to the sites versus sharing flyers/emails affects the program?
A: Going out to the sites personally, rather than just sharing flyers or emails, has a much more significant impact on the program. It creates a more personal connection between leadership, staff, and the safety initiative. When management or key team members visit the sites, it shows a genuine commitment to safety and allows for real-time interaction, feedback, and engagement with employees. It helps to foster a sense of accountability and shows that safety isn't just a concept, but something actively supported and championed by the leadership. Unlike flyers or emails, which can be easily overlooked, face-to-face interactions make the message more memorable and meaningful, strengthening the overall safety culture and ensuring that everyone feels included and heard in the process. Additionally, many of our field staff don’t have access to email, so taking the time to visit them on-site ensures they are also fully engaged in the program and aware of the safety goals.
Q: What are the goals of the road show?
A: The goals of the road show are to engage all employees across different sites, foster a sense of collective responsibility toward safety, and ensure active participation in the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP). By taking the commitment poster to each location, we aim to gather signatures from every staff member, reinforcing the idea that safety is a shared priority for everyone. The road show also provides an opportunity to personally connect with employees, promote the safety culture, and encourage open dialogue about safety practices. Ultimately, the goal is to build stronger buy-in, increase awareness, and demonstrate the agency’s commitment to creating a safe work environment across all sites.
Q: Would you like to add anything about the program?
A: One important insight is that creating a strong safety culture requires continuous engagement and effort from both leadership and staff at every level. Initiatives like the road show and the commitment letter not only demonstrate management's dedication but also provide employees with a tangible way to show their support for the program. These personal interactions can be highly motivating and lead to more meaningful conversations about safety issues that might otherwise go unnoticed through emails or other less personal communication methods.
Additionally, involving field staff—who may not have access to email or office-based communications—helps ensure that everyone is equally invested in the safety goals. This inclusivity strengthens the overall impact of the program, making it more effective and far-reaching.
Finally, it’s crucial to remember that safety is an ongoing process, and actions like these contribute to sustaining momentum. Engaging employees regularly, recognizing their input, and continuously improving safety practices will help to keep the program vibrant and aligned with the agency’s long-term objectives.
