On October 5, 2016, ISN hosted a Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Think Tank for Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area employers. The event, which was held in our Dallas, Texas headquarters, included attendees from almost 20 companies that are committed to OSHA’s VPP standards and requirements—such as Pratt & Whitney, Raytheon Company, PepsiCo, Pfizer and more.

Promoting excellence in workplace safety
The VPP system focuses on hazard prevention and control, worksite analysis, training and more; and this gathering afforded attendees a unique opportunity to discuss how to best enhance safety culture in their respective organizations.

“The VPP Think Tank meetings were started so like-minded professionals could come together to discuss safety and health issues, and to share ideas and best practices,” said Ron Watkins, Area VPP Coordinator, OSHA. “Attendees at these meetings represent the very best in their fields. They have exceptional safety and health programs and they believe in providing a safe and healthy work place for all of the employees. They not only talk the talk, but walk the walk.”

Speakers for the day’s event featured some of DFW’s thought leaders on VPP, including:

“Coming together is the best part of any family tradition,” says Cardell M. Brown, EHS Manager at Mary Kay Inc. “I genuinely look forward to our biannual VPP Think Tank sessions and being around leaders in the industry who are always pushing the boundaries in the arena of environmental, health and safety best practices.”

About the VPP System
VPP recognizes excellence in employers and workers with strong safety and health management systems, combined with illness and injury rates below national Bureau of Labor Statistics averages. To learn more, visit OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Programs website.