Michael Enzi Voluntary Protection Program Act

This bill would establish a permanent legal authorization for the Department of Labor's Voluntary Protection Program (VPP), which has operated since 1982 but currently exists as a discretionary program that could be eliminated or defunded. The program recognizes employers who voluntarily commit to comprehensive safety and health management systems, including hazard assessments, prevention programs, and employee participation in safety efforts. If enacted, the bill would require the Secretary of Labor to maintain VPP as an ongoing program and ensure it receives at least five percent of OSHA's annual appropriated funds.

The program would allow employers to apply for participation and would require them to conduct annual self-evaluations and submit to onsite evaluations by Labor Department representatives. Employers already participating in VPP would be allowed to continue under the new authorization. According to program data, VPP currently safeguards nearly one million workers at approximately 2,200 worksites nationwide, with participating worksites reporting injury and illness rates 50 percent lower than industry averages. The bill is named after the late Senator Michael Enzi of Wyoming, who championed the program.