H.R. 2844: Michael Enzi Voluntary Protection Program Act of 2025

The bill is titled the Michael Enzi Voluntary Protection Program Act of 2025, which seeks to establish a voluntary program overseen by the Department of Labor aimed at enhancing workplace safety and health management. Here’s a breakdown of what the bill entails:

Program Establishment

The Secretary of Labor is mandated to create a program designed to recognize employers who voluntarily commit to better safety and health management systems. This includes:

• Assessing hazards systematically
• Developing comprehensive programs for hazard prevention and control
• Encouraging meaningful participation of management and employees in safety efforts
• Providing employee safety and health training

Activities Under the Program

The program will be known as the Michael Enzi Voluntary Protection Program and will have specific requirements for participation, including:

• Employers must apply and demonstrate compliance with established safety criteria.
• Annual self-evaluations of workplace safety conditions are required for participating employers.
• Onsite evaluations by the Secretary of Labor will occur to ensure compliance with safety practices, although these evaluations will not lead to citations for non-compliance.
• Employers must make safety program information available to the Secretary of Labor for the benefit of employees.
• Periodic reevaluations of employers will determine their continued participation in the program.

Incentives for Participation

If a worksite is approved, it will be exempt from routine OSHA inspections while participating in the program. This encourages employers to maintain high safety standards to avoid inspections.

Participation will not incur any fees or payments from employers.

Technology Modernization

The Secretary of Labor will develop a plan within two years to modernize technology used for administering the program. This includes:

• Improving the application process
• Enhancing the submission and review of annual self-evaluations
• Streamlining the audit reporting processes

Challenge Program

The bill also introduces a tiered challenge program for safety management systems that employers can use as evaluation tools. Participation in this Challenge program is also without any fees.

Transition and Regulations

The bill stipulates the transition from the current voluntary protection programs to the new structure outlined in this legislation. Former participants in the existing programs will have the option to continue under the new program framework. The Secretary of Labor is tasked with issuing final regulations and implementing the program within two years of the bill's enactment.

Funding

At least 5% of the appropriated funds for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will be designated for carrying out the provisions of this Act.

Relevant Companies

• OSHA - As a government body, OSHA will be directly involved in overseeing the implementation of the new program and evaluating employers under this framework.
• MUSD - Companies that prioritize occupational safety and health standards may seek to engage with the new program to enhance their safety protocols.