Want to become a Special Government Employee?
New SGE Training Opportunities are Available!

See the SGE Training Class Schedule.

The Special Government Employee (SGE) Program was established to allow industry employees to work alongside OSHA, particularly during Voluntary Protection Programs' (VPP) On-Site evaluations. Not only does this innovative program benefit OSHA by supplementing its on-site evaluation teams, but it gives industry and government an opportunity to work together and share views and ideas. From time to time, SGEs may also have the opportunity to participate in other OSHA outreach and compliance assistance activities.

Qualified volunteers from VPP sites are eligible to participate in the SGE program. These volunteers must be approved by OSHA and funded by their companies to participate. After submitting an application and completing the required training, these volunteers are sworn in as SGEs and are approved to assist OSHA.

As VPP grows, the support of SGEs will continue to be a critical component of the programs. The SGE Program encompasses the spirit of VPP - industry, labor, and government cooperation. This cooperation embodies the idea of continuous improvement, which allows SGEs to bring a unique perspective to the team effort and take back to their sites ideas and best practices to further improve worker protections.

SGE documents

Program Documents

SGE program information

Program Information

The VPP were designed primarily for fixed worksites, however Mobile Workforces and Corporations can also participate.

SGE program training

Program Training

All approved SGE applicants must attend a 3-day OSHA training course that provides an overview of the OSHA VPP SGE Program. OSHA provides this training free of charge.

SGE successes

Successes

For more information on becoming a VPP participant, contact OSHA's Office of Partnerships and Recognition at (202) 693-2213 or the VPP Manager at your OSHA Regional Office.