Question: What is the role of an SGE?

Answer:

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.