b'Voluntary Protection Programs The Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) recognize employers and workers in the private industry andfederal agencies who have implemented effective safety and health management systems and maintain injury and illness rates below national Bureau of Labor Statis-tics averages for their respective industries. In VPP, management, labor, and OSHA work cooperatively and proactively to prevent fatalities, injuries, and illnesses through a system focused on: hazard prevention and control; worksite analysis; training; and management commitment and worker involvement. To participate, employers must submit an application to OSHA and undergo a rigorous onsite evaluation by a team of safety and health professionals. Union support is required for applicants represented by a bargaining unit. VPP partic-ipants are re-evaluated every three to five years toremain in the programs. VPP participants are exempt from OSHA programmed inspections while theymaintain their VPP status.15'