SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 23, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Cal/OSHA Consultation will partner with labor and businesses to present  "A Guide to Safety Excellence," a two-day workshop October 2-3 at the San Francisco State Building, 455 Golden Gate Ave.

The workshop in the Milton Marks Conference Center will offer practical guidance regarding the implementation of key safety management systems, as well as solutions to common workplace safety challenges. It will be conducted by Cal/OSHA's California Voluntary Protection Program Star (Cal/VPP Star) staff and representatives of the Voluntary Protection Programs Participants' Association (VPPPA). Cal/VPP Star members have been recognized by Cal/OSHA Consultation as employers and labor who implemented comprehensive and effective safety and health programs.

"Cal/OSHA and labor and business have forged a strong working relationship on the vital subject of workplace safety," said Christine Baker, Director of the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR). The Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), better known as Cal/OSHA, is a division of DIR. "This workshop will offer expertise from both and can literally save lives through a combination of preventative best practices, education and prevention."

"This is a chance for the public to learn how the experts reduce injuries and illness in the workplace," added Acting Cal/OSHA Chief Juliann Sum.

Representatives from Cal/VPP sites will share their experiences and consultants will review the evaluation process. Topics at the workshop include machine guarding, accident analysis, contractor safety, self-inspection, and lessons learned from accidents.

Attendees are encouraged to register online for the workshop, as space is limited.

"This workshop is what the Voluntary Protection Program is all about," said Terry J. Schulte of Nustar Energy LP in Elk Grove and chair of VPPPA Region IX's board of directors. "The VPPPA welcomes the opportunity to partner with Cal/OSHA to help educate all California workers and employers on ways to improve safety." 

"Through conferences, education, networking and mentoring, VPPPA members strengthen their safety programs, protecting workers and building trust at all levels," said Harvey Duran, VPP coordinator for Phillips 66 in Rodeo and member of International Association of Machinists 1584. "The association's Labor and Management Committee supports this mission by offering mediation services to worksites experiencing disputes and for members to discuss relevant issues at their workplaces."

The Cal/OSHA Consultation Program partners with industry leaders who are active participants in the Cal/VPP to offer workshops to the public, current VPP members and employers who wish to achieve VPP-level excellence.

"A Guide to Safety Excellence" will be held in memory of Craig Marshall, a dedicated VPP team member who passed away on September 3, 2006.

For media inquiries contact Erika Monterroza at (510) 286-1164 or Peter Melton at (510) 286-7046

SOURCE Cal/OSHA