Voluntary Protection Program Initiative

Clean Harbors VPP Overview

Clean Harbors is committed to Health and Safety.  In 2003, several Clean Harbors facilities pursued OSHA VPP Star status by participating in the OSHA Voluntary Protection Program.  The Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) promotes worksite-based safety and health.  In the VPP, management, labor, and OSHA establish cooperative relationships at workplaces that have implemented a comprehensive safety and health management system. Approval into the VPP is OSHA’s official recognition of the outstanding efforts of employers and employees who have achieved exemplary occupational safety and health. Clean Harbors currently has four hazardous waste management facilities admitted into the VPP Star program, and nine additional sites are in various stages of the VPP process.

Statistical evidence for VPP’s success is impressive. The average VPP worksite has a lost workday incidence rate (DART) 52% below the average for its industry.  Since Clean Harbors initiated efforts in VPP, we have seen similar reductions in both our TRIR and DART rates.  In 2003 our TRIR was 3.96 and our DART was 2.67.  For 2010, our rates finished at 2.19 and 1.39 (TRIR and DART, respectively.)  This is approximately a 45% reduction in the TRIR and a 48% reduction in the DART.  Learn more about Clean Harbors' commitment to Health & Safety.  Learn more about Clean Harbors' commitment to Health & Safety.

Clean Harbors Current VPP Status

Clean Harbors VPP Star Sites

• Baltimore, MD – Achieved Star status in 2009  learn more »
• Buttonwillow, CA – Achieved Star status in 2010  learn more »
• Cincinnati (Spring Grove), OH – Achieved Star status in 2007  learn more »
• Kimball, NE – Achieved Merit status in 2007 and achieved Star status in 2009  learn more »
• Lone Mountain, OK – Became the first commercial TSDF to obtain Star status in 2005, and in 2008 was re-evaluated and will continue as a Star site  learn more »
• Reidsville, NC – Achieved North Carolina Rising Star status in 2006 and achieved Carolina Star status in 2008, and in 2008 was re-evaluated and will continue as a Star site  learn more »

Clean Harbors Sites with Active VPP Projects

• Aragonite, UT
• Bartow, FL
• Benicia, CA
• Bristol, CT
• Chattanooga, TN
• Chicago, IL Solvent Recycling Facility
• Deer Park, TX
• El Dorado, AR
• Lambton, Ontario (initiated under “Clean Harbors’ Star Status”)