Austin-based  CSHI was appointed a Challenge Administrator for U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration  (OSHA) Region VI recently to head up an area push to increase workplace safety.  CSHI is one of only four companies selected to serve as administrator and will be assisting other regional companies to reach Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Star status.

“By accepting the designation of challenge administrator CSHI will have the opportunity to assist an ever-growing number of companies in enhancing their occupational safety efforts and programs for their workforce,” said CSHI President Greg Smith, CSP.  “We will be a mentor to other companies within the region, assessing their safety programs, helping them identify ways to improve their safety management systems, and eventually helping them to achieve “Star” status within the VPP process.”

VPP promotes effective worksite-based safety and health. In the VPP, management, labor, and OSHA establish cooperative relationships at workplaces that have executed a comprehensive safety and health management system. Acceptance into VPP is OSHA’s official recognition of the exceptional efforts of employers and employees who have accomplished exemplary occupational safety and health.

   The three functions of the Challenge Program are to provide guidance to building strong safety and health programs in companies, provide recognition to those companies that want to build and improve their safety and health programs, and provide a roadmap for companies that want to apply for “Star” status in VPP.

The 15-year-old CSHI has grown into a leading safety training and consulting firm with clients from the construction, and high tech industries as well as city and county governments.  CSHI provides the high quality value-based services in order to prevent harm to people, property and the environment, thereby enhancing quality of life for public and private sector workforces. For more information please go to CSHI's web site at www.cshi.org or contact Greg Smith for more information on the OSHA Challenge Program and VPP.