The purpose of the Voluntary Protection Programs is to
emphasize the importance, promote the improvement, and
acknowledge the excellence of the occupational safety and health
programs provided by employers with the employees’ active
participation.  

The Puerto Rico Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(PR OSHA), through its Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP)
acknowledges those companies which have implemented
comprehensive occupational safety and health management
systems and programs that have reduced significantly the injuries
and illnesses rates in the workplace.  The companies whose VPP
participation is approved, must comply with all the pertinent
occupational safety and health standards, and have a safety and
health program in operation.  PR OSHA will verify its
qualifications, remove participants from the lists of programmed
inspections, provide the necessary technical support, investigate
accidents and complaints, and evaluate its programs.   The
participation in the VPP does not diminish the rights and
responsibilities of employers and employees under the
Occupational Safety and Health Act, also known as Act No. 16 of
August 5, 1975, as amended.

Participation in the VPP shows employees and the community
that the participating company is a leader in the field of
occupational safety and health, and that it has implemented a
successful, high-quality program.

There are three VPP categories:  Guanín, Cemí, and Taíno.







































For more informaiton about the program in Spanish Language
please log on to:
http://www.dtrh.gobierno.
pr/PROSHA_Programas.asp?m=6
Puerto Rico
The Guanin Program is designed for worksites that have
implemented comprehensive and successful safety and
health management systems.  Companies under this
program have achieved injury and illness rates at or below the
national average for their type of industry. These participants
are self-sufficient in their ability to control hazards in the
workplace.  Guanin participants are re-evaluated onsite every
3 to 5 years, with annual injury and illness rates reviews.
The Cemi Program represents a great step towards Guanin
status.  Cemi participants are worksites with good safety and
health management systems which nevertheless need some
improvements to be classified as excellent.  Cemi sites show
the potential and commitment to achieve the goals set for each
worksite, and to comply with the Guanín status of quality within a
three years period.  Cemí participant’s onsite evaluations are
undertaken every 18 to 24 months.
special guidance and assistance to reach at least Cemí quality.
This program is open to worksites with a written safety and
Management Leadership, Employee Participation, and Safety
The Taino Program is designed for companies with 100
annually. Successful completion with the established goals
may ensure eligibility for the Guanín or Cemí Programs.