A systematic approach to managing a safety and health program; oftentimes, going beyond safety and health regulatory requirements with an emphasis on continuous improvement.

There is published guidance available supporting the implementation of a SMS:

• DoDI 6055.1: http://dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/605501p.pdf
• 29 CFR 1960: https://www.osha.gov/dep/ffshc/standards.html
• AR 385-10: http://www.apd.army.mil/Search/ePubsSearch/ePubsSearchDownloadPage.aspx?docID=0902c85180010d83AFI 92-202:  http://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_se/publication/afi91-202/afi91-202.pdf
• OPNAVINST 5100.23G CH-1:  https://www.public.navy.mil/navsafecen/Documents/OSH/SafetyOfficer/5100.23G_CH-1_with_updated_links.pdf
• SECNAVINST 5100.10K: https://www.secnav.navy.mil/eie/SECNAV Safety Excellence Awards/SECNAVINST 5100.10K Encosure (5) - SECNAV Safety Excellence Awards.pdf

Online, the SMCX offers free webinars and workshops, generally on a monthly basis. On site, the SMCX offers assessor courses, SMS implementation and sustainment courses, and compliance-related courses. If you are interested in having onsite training conducted at your organization, contact the SMCX at (877) 292-2880 or smcx@ctc.com, or your site's SMCX Implementation Lead directly, to see if the SMCX supports your topic of interest.

You can register for any of our free online training here on our website. Simply log in, or create a user name, if you don't already have one. Choose the Registration tab in the header bar near the top of the page. Select the Webinar (or other online training) tab. Choose the training you want to attend, and then click the register button. You will receive an automatic email notification giving the specific details for the training course.

Unfortunately, SMCX training courses do not qualify for CEUs. The SMCX is familiar with the International Association for Continuing Education & Training (IACET) accreditation process. The SMCX has developed an action plan and is looking into the steps necessary to move in this direction; however, an anticipated timeline has not been established for if/when our courses may qualify.

Please contact your site's SMCX Implementation Lead directly or reach out to the SMCX at (877) 292-2880 or smcx@ctc.com to inquire about scheduling free, onsite training for your organization.

CSP 03-01-003 is a guide clarifying the policies and procedures for administering the OSHA VPP.

You can find more details about each VPP sub-element on our website, such as examples and clarifications on the VPP on-site worksheet items.

You can find the latest version of the CSP on OSHA's website.

The OSHA On-Site Report and Worksheet is the tool OSHA uses to conduct on-site VPP evaluations.

The first half of the document is a report, providing specific information about your organization, worksite hazards, and injury and illness rates.

The second half of the document is a worksheet, outlining each element and sub-element OSHA evaluates during their visit. Within the worksheet, several items are listed as minimum requirements (MRs). If your organization doesn't meet all MRs, you most likely won't receive any level of OSHA VPP recognition.

You can use this document as a self-evaluation tool to see if you meet all of OSHA's expectations for OSHA VPP.

While the worksheet is part of the CSP, visit OSHA On-Site Report and Worksheet for the most current version.

The answer could be yes, or no, depending on your organizational goals.

The annual self-evaluation is a good tool to use to self-evaluate the progress of your SMS. If you are not an OSHA VPP Star site, you are encouraged to complete the annual self-evaluation at the end of each calendar year to help identify your strengths and weaknesses, devise a plan for moving forward, and promote continuous improvement.

You are required to complete at least one annual self-evaluation prior to submitting an OSHA VPP application. So, if you plan to submit your OSHA VPP application, be sure to complete at least one of these evaluations and include it with your OSHA VPP application (you can do it yourself—use a group effort).

If you are not looking to apply for formal OSHA VPP recognition, an annual self-evaluation is not required. However, it is still encouraged.