The Chicago Regional Office and VPPPA have a strong interest in recruiting more Special Government Employees (SGEs) for our Region. We are increasing VPP site reviews and the priority for our Compliance Officers (CSHO) is conducting inspections. The SGE’s fill a valuable role and we have had over 100 sites evaluated with SGE assistance.

By participating in OSHA's Voluntary Protection Programs site reviews, many employers have improved their workplace safety and health management systems and implemented activities or procedures that have produced outstanding results and contributed to improved safety and health for workers.

The SGE Program was established to allow industry employees to work alongside OSHA during Voluntary Protection Programs' onsite evaluations. Not only does this innovative program benefit OSHA by supplementing its on-site evaluation teams, but it gives industry and government an opportunity to work together and share views and ideas.

Qualified volunteers from VPP sites are eligible to participate in the SGE program. These volunteers must be approved by OSHA and funded by their companies to participate. All applicant must complete an annual financial disclosure statement. All OSHA managers complete the same form..After submitting an application and completing the required training, these volunteers are sworn in as SGEs and are approved to assist as VPP on-site evaluation team members.

As VPP grows, the support of SGEs will continue to be a critical component of the programs. The SGE Program encompasses the spirit of VPP - industry, labor, and government cooperation. This cooperation embodies the idea of continuous improvement, which allows SGEs to bring a unique perspective to the team effort and take back to their sites ideas and best practices to further improve worker protections.

If you would like more information on the program please visit OSHA's SGE website listed below.

Click here for more information about the SGE Program