This bill would create the "Michael Enzi Voluntary Protection Program" (Program) inside the Department of Labor. The Program would recognize employers who choose to set up strong safety and health management systems. It lists core program features such as hazard assessment, prevention and control programs, management and employee participation, and employee training.
The Program would require employers to apply and show their worksites meet program rules. Approved employers must do annual self-evaluations and allow onsite evaluations by Department of Labor representatives. The bill says those onsite visits shall not lead to enforcement citations under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, but any serious hazards found must be fixed within 90 days or as soon as practicable. Participating worksites would be exempt from programmed inspections while in the Program. The bill also requires periodic reevaluations, oversight by designated OSHA staff, and use of special Government employees under supervision for audits.
The Secretary must set up a modernized technology plan within two years to improve application, self-evaluation submission, audit reporting, and other program functions. The bill authorizes a basic, no-cost tiered challenge program as an evaluation tool. It requires final regulations and program implementation within two years and directs that at least 5 percent of OSHA appropriated funds each fiscal year be used to carry out the Act. The bill says no payment may be required from employers to join the Program and that employers already in existing voluntary protection programs and in good standing may continue under the new Program.
The bill requires that not less than 5 percent of the funds appropriated for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration each fiscal year be used to carry out this Act. The bill does not provide total dollar amounts, budgetary estimates, or detailed cost information.
No publicly available information.
No publicly available information.