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Camp Pendleton Earns Prestigious Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) Star Recognition for Safety Excellence

UC San Diego OSHA Training Institute Education Center (OTIEC) proudly congratulates Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton on earning OSHA’s highest safety honor, the Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) Star designation. This recognition reflects a gold standard in workplace safety and a shared commitment to protecting lives through leadership, training, and partnership.

A Celebration of Safety Excellence at Camp Pendleton

On July 16, 2025, UC San Diego OSHA Training Institute Education Center (OTIEC) had the privilege of joining Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton at a special award ceremony recognizing their achievement of OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) Star designation.

The event brought together leadership from across the region, including Colonel Houser, Commanding Officer of Camp Pendleton Air Station, and Jim Wulff, OSHA’s San Francisco Regional Administrator. Representing UC San Diego OTIEC was Assistant Director Stephanie Spann, Outreach Training Manager Stephanie MacGilfrey, and Outreach Trainer Debra Solley, who were honored to celebrate this major milestone with the Camp Pendleton team.

Achieving VPP Star status is no small feat; it requires a comprehensive, collaborative approach to safety that goes far beyond compliance.

What Is VPP and Why It Matters

The Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) were created by OSHA to recognize worksites that go above and beyond in developing effective safety and health management systems. In the VPP, management, labor, and OSHA work together to reduce workplace hazards and foster a proactive culture of prevention.

Worksites that earn the Star designation—the highest level in VPP—have demonstrated:
 

  • Lower-than-average injury and illness rates

  • Robust and continuously improving safety systems

  • Strong employee involvement in safety practices

  • Rigorous hazard prevention and control methods

Being accepted into the VPP is a significant commitment. It involves a detailed application, a multi-day onsite evaluation by OSHA, and an ongoing responsibility to maintain and improve safety performance.
 

Why Camp Pendleton’s Recognition Matters

Camp Pendleton’s achievement isn’t just a win for one installation; it’s a model for organizations across industries. Their VPP Star status sends a clear message: when leadership, training, and accountability align, safety becomes a core strength.

For the military, where mission readiness is vital, a strong safety culture protects personnel, supports operational excellence, and reflects deep respect for human life and well-being. Camp Pendleton’s success inspires other public and private employers alike.
 

How UC San Diego OTIEC Supports the VPP Vision

As an OSHA-authorized Training Institute Education Center, UC San Diego OTIEC is proud to play a part in helping organizations like Camp Pendleton achieve and maintain high safety standards. Through industry-specific courses, trainer programs, and outreach support, we equip workers and leaders with the tools needed to build—and sustain—safe work environments.

We offer:
  Whether you’re working toward VPP-level safety or simply want to improve workplace compliance and awareness, we’re here to help.
 

Final Thoughts: Celebrating the Past, Leading the Future

We extend our sincere congratulations to Camp Pendleton on this well-earned recognition. Their achievement represents what’s possible when safety is prioritized at every level, and it reinforces the power of continuous improvement and shared responsibility.

Celebrating moments like this reminds us that every safe workplace begins with informed, empowered individuals. Let’s continue working together to make safety not just a requirement, but a culture.
 

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