VOSHA Challenge

VOSHA endorsed the Challenge Program to provide greater opportunities for eligible employers interested in working with VOSHA to create safer and healthier workplaces for their employees. The Challenge program uses a three step process to guide employers to the implementation of a complete safety and health management system as a core value of the company. Once a Challenge participant successfully completes all three stages, their safety and health management systems are such that they are encouraged to apply for acceptance in the Green Mountain VPP.

How it works

In the Challenge, VOSHA works cooperatively with an administrator, to guide the Challenge Participant(s) to incrementally improve their safety and health management systems. An Explanation of the roles of each of the key players is as follows.

Challenge Administrators

Challenge Administrators are organizational entities such as corporations, State agencies, or non profit associations. Challenge Administrators can be GMVPP sites. Administrators are selected based on specific criteria including: demonstrated knowledge and expertise of safety and health systems; availability of resources  and expertise to perform necessary administrative functions; and commitment to the growth of the program. The Challenge Administrator will serve as the primary contact between Challenge Participants and VOSHA. The Administrator will appoint a coordinator to assist ands manage Participant activities. Sponsored Participants will be guided through a series of structured stages designed to make incremental improvements in their safety and health management systems. VOSHA will provide Administrators the format and tools necessary manage and track performance of their sponsored Participants. The Administrator will report to VOSHA on a periodic basis, the progress made by the Challenge Participant.  

Challenge Participants  

The VOSHA Challenge is open to private or public sector employers who are committed to improving their safety and health management systems. Prospective Challenge Participants must submit their company information and a statement of commitment to the VOSHA GMVPP Coordinator. All information submitted is considered confidential. VOSHA will then approve the Participant and match an Administrator. The administrator will then review the level of safety and health management systems are in place and decide what stage the Participant will enter the VOSHA Challenge. Using the guidance materials provided by VOSHA and assistance from their Administrator, Challenge Participants will gradually progress through the stages of the program. Upon successful completion and verification by the Administrator, VOSHA will formally recognize the accomplishment via a signed letter from the Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Labor. Continued participation requires Participants to exhibit continued improvements in their safety and health management systems, and to submit regular progress reports to their Administrator. Upon successful completion of the Challenge program, a recognition letter will again be issued by the Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Labor. At this point the Challenge Participant is encouraged to submit application to the Green Mountain VPP.

Challenge Stages at a Glance 

Challenge Stage 1 Requirements

Challenge Stage 2 Requirements

Challenge Stage 3 Requirements