Secretary of Labor Will Address VPPPA Attendees

For the first time, Alexis Herman, U.S. Secretary of Labor, will attend the 15th Annual National Voluntary Protection Programs Participants' Association (VPPPA) Conference on Sept. 14 at the Hilton Washington & Towers in Washington, D.C. An estimated 2,000 safety, health and environmental leaders from some of the nation's top-ranking companies in workplace safety and health protection are expected at the conference.

Herman, a long time supporter of partnership programs, will address attendees during the opening session of conference. Joining Secretary Herman will be Charles N. Jeffress, Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA, as well as keynote speaker A.D. "Pete" Correll, CEO and president of Georgia-Pacific.

"The VPP is a success because it provides concrete evidence that a comprehensive, cooperative approach to safety and health protects workers and saves lives. The VPPPA and its member companies must be commended for their dedication to this approach," said Herman.

Lee Anne Elliott, executive director of the VPPPA, said, "We are very happy that the secretary will be able to participate in this year's conference. She has been a strong supporter of partnership programs, and we are glad to see her continued support of the VPP through her presence at this year's event."

"Building Monuments of Excellence" is the theme of the 15th Annual National VPPPA Conference, providing more than 70 workshops with topics ranging from ergonomics to OSHA compliance will be offered to attendees at the four-day gathering. Expected to attend the conference are occupational safety and health professionals, hourly employees, and government personnel.

The Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP), administered by OSHA and DOE, are a cooperative effort among labor, management, and government. Acceptance into the VPP requires safety and health programs that exceed OSHA's standards. Sites participating in the VPP have overall lost workday rates 50 percent below the industry average. More than 550 U.S. work sites are VPP participants, and greater than three-quarters of a million workers in the U.S. are directly impacted by VPP.

To receive a brochure for the 15th Annual National VPPPA Conference, call VPPPA at 703-761-1146.