OSHA Voluntary Protection Program<< Back to Special Government Employee (SGE) Program

Special Government Employee (SGE) Program

As part of a VPP onsite evaluation team, a Special Government Employee (SGE) contributes to the typically week-long assessment of a VPP applicant’s or participant’s safety and health management system. The team duties include but are not limited to:

  • Reviewing the written safety and health management system and supporting documents
  • Conducting a site walkthrough to observe working conditions and to verify that:
    1. hazards have been appropriately controlled, and
    2. a comprehensive safety and health management system has been successfully implemented
  • Conducting formal and informal employee interviews.
  • Helping to prepare the written VPP Onsite Evaluation report and sharing finds and recommendations.

All SGEs are initially appointed to a three-year term of service. SGEs serve at the pleasure of the Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health. Service as an SGE is contingent upon proper ethical conduct.