"… hat has gained entry into OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Programs, known as VPP — a club whose membership benefits include an exemption from the agency� …"

"… om the program. In death cases in which OSHA found at least one violation, VPP companies ultimately paid an average of about $8,000 in fines. And at leas …"

"… at least 65 percent of sites where a worker has died since 2000 remain in VPP today.Though Tropicana, a unit of PepsiCo, paid $164,250 in fines stemming …"

"… nts can occur despite the best efforts of well-intentioned companies; even VPP sites can’t be perfect. But former OSHA officials interviewed by iWatch …"

"… rds. It was a member of California's Voluntary Protection Program, or VPP, an honor roll of ostensibly safety-minded companies that win public recog …"

"… e of these workplaces have mixed records, and are allowed to remain in the VPP anyway.  Moreover, while state officials say they closely scrutinize …"

"… t all members have injury rates that match, or beat, industry averages.The VPP, a national program run in California by the state Division of Occupationa …"

"… nalties we give to employers who try to cut corners.”Supporters hail the VPP as a motivational force that unites management and workers in the cause of …"

"… ore than just bragging rights. OSHA exempts members of this club, known as VPP, from some inspections, including the special enforcement program targetin …"

"… st dangerous industries.Many of the nation’s largest employers covet the VPP stamp of approval — a mark now held by more than 2,400 workplaces across …"

"… he Valero refinery in Texas City, it also meant a break on local taxes.The VPP flag can attract and reassure workers. A red, white and blue symbol of the …"

"… 0 fine.When the boiler exploded, Tommy Manis became the fourth worker at a VPP “Star” refinery to die since the special inspection progam began in mi …"

"… assachusetts employers to retain their “Voluntary Protection Program” (VPP) status even after serious safety problems have been exposed or workers ha …"

"… stigative Reporting under a federal Freedom of Information Act request.The VPP designation frees employers from regular health and safety inspections, an …"

"… th of at least two Massachusetts workers, some critics said.“If you're a VPP program, that should never happen,” said James Lee, a trustee with the A …"

"… occurred if (OSHA) came in more frequently,” Lee said.OSHA rarely strips VPP sites of their special status, even after violations are found or fatal tr …"