Region 1 Special Government Employees (SGE)

Regional SGE of the Year 2026 Nomination – Eric Capron

We are pleased to nominate Eric Capron for the Regional Special Government Employee (SGE) of the Year Award. Eric consistently demonstrates exceptional professionalism, technical expertise, and a strong commitment to OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP). Over the years, Eric has played a significant and sustained role in supporting OSHA’s mission—having contributed to 13 VPP onsite evaluations since 2014, along with numerous additional activities that reflect the highest standards of the SGE program.

Excellence in VPP Evaluations

A core strength of Eric’s contribution is the quality of their participation in VPP onsite evaluations. Eric brings a balanced, analytical approach to each audit, helping teams accurately assess safety systems, identify opportunities for improvement, and maintain positive collaboration with both OSHA staff and employer representatives.

During the past year, Eric has supported several VPP onsite evaluations, including:

• Cartamundi (March 2025) – Served on the VPP evaluation team, providing thorough technical analysis and contributing to a well‑rounded assessment of the site’s safety and health programs.
• Hypertherm (March 2026) – Served on the VPP evaluation team, demonstrating strong analytical skills and helping ensure a consistent, high‑quality audit process.
• Wheelabrator Concord (July 2025) – Participated in a successful VPP recertification evaluation, offering thoughtful insights and supporting a comprehensive review of the site’s established VPP elements.

Across all evaluations, Eric consistently delivers clear observations, sound judgment, and objective, professional feedback that aligns with VPP principles and strengthens the overall audit process.

Support for VPP Application Development & Re‑Entry

In addition to onsite evaluation work, Eric has provided substantial support to several facilities seeking initial VPP approval or re‑entry into the program:

• Wheelabrator North Andover – Completed, submitted, and secured approval for the site’s VPP application, which was recently recommended for re‑entry into the program. Eric also participated as an active team member throughout the 4.5‑day onsite evaluation.
• Wheelabrator Millbury – Assisted with the preparation and submittal of the site’s VPP application, contributing to its recent recommendation for re‑entry. Eric participated in the onsite evaluation and provided valuable guidance to help the facility align with VPP expectations.

Conducting a VPP‑style gap analysis in December 2025 at a landfill facility in Ohio to evaluate VPP readiness. This work supported the facility’s goal of becoming the first landfill to pursue VPP recognition.

These accomplishments reflect Eric’s strong understanding of VPP requirements and their ability to guide facilities through the process with precision and confidence.

Developing Future SGEs

Eric also plays an important role in cultivating the next generation of SGEs. Eric has been actively mentoring two internal EHS Specialists who aspire to become SGEs, providing guidance that strengthens internal competencies, clarifies expectations, and deepens long‑term engagement with VPP values. One of these individuals has already been approved for the SGE course and is currently in the process of scheduling training for 2026.

Conclusion

Eric Capron exemplifies the qualities of an exceptional SGE—knowledgeable, dedicated, professional, and deeply committed to improving workplace safety. Their contributions across VPP audits, application development, internal evaluations, and mentoring have significantly strengthened the VPP program and advanced OSHA’s mission throughout the Boston Region. With 13 onsite evaluations supported since 2014, Eric is highly deserving of recognition as the Regional SGE of the Year.

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Region 1 OSHA is seeking SGE’s that may be interested in assisting in teaching of one of the four training modules (slide deck) relating to:

– Management Leadership and Employee Involvement

– Worksite Analysis

– Hazard Prevention & Control

– Safety & Health Training

Assisting OSHA in this capacity serves as a qualifying activity as an existing SGE.

If you should be interested and it fits your schedule, please reach out to the Boston VPP Program Manager:  VPPCoordinatorBOS@dol.gov

At the beginning of 2015, there was an update to the SGE policies and procedures manual. The update is reflected on the SGE website (https://www.osha.gov/dcsp/vpp/sge.html) in the coming months. One major change pertains to the Confidential Financial Disclosure policy. In years past, SGE’s have submitted their signed Confidential Financial Disclosure Form every time that they applied to become an SGE or renewed their SGE status.

 It is now required that active SGE’s submit their Confidential Financial Disclosure Form EVERY year. Therefore, all active SGE’s are asked to submit their signed Confidential Financial Disclosure Form every year by January 31^st.  If no changes in your finances have occurred during a calendar year, simply reply to the Confidential Financial Disclosure Form reminder email, “No changes have been made to my Confidential Financial Disclosure Form for this past calendar year.” This will be sufficient and will serve as your Confidential Financial Disclosure for the next calendar year.

 All SGE applicants and renewals are still required to submit their Confidential Financial Disclosure forms with their application package.

Failure to submit a Confidential Financial Disclosure Form or send an email stating that no financial changes have been made by January 31^st will result in the SGE being inactive until receipt of the Confidential Financial Disclosure Form or email.

Any questions or correspondence may be send to:  SGECoordinator@dol.gov

Thank you for your cooperation.

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Become a Special Government Employee!

The SGE Training Class is a 3-day OSHA training course that provides an overview of the OSHA VPP SGE Program and the roles and responsibilities of an SGE. OSHA provides this training free of charge. SGE activities were established in 1994 in order to leverage OSHA’s limited resources by utilizing private sector safety and health professionals (working at VPP worksites) during VPP on-site evaluations. An SGE serves in the capacity of a volunteer employee while he or she is assisting OSHA personnel during on-site evaluations.

SGEs may also be involved in other activities listed below:

1. Assist the Regional VPP Manager with the review of a site’s VPP application.
2. Serve as an instructor/co-instructor for an SGE Course.
3. Serve as an instructor/co-instructor for a VPP Application Workshop.
4. Assist the Regional VPP Manager with the review of VPP sites’ annual self-evaluation.
5. Provide on-site mentoring to a potential or re-approving VPP work site.
6. Present a VPP or related safety and health topic at a Regional or National VPPPA Conference.

Why become a SGE?

SGE of the Year!

This award is designed to recognize an SGE who epitomizes and exhibits exceptional support, effort, and action in VPP, and in so doing sets him/herself apart from other SGEs. The person selected must meet the following criteria:

1. Be actively involved in volunteer activities that benefit the VPP.
2. Perform outreach and assistance to employers/employees outside his/her own company.
3. Demonstrate an outstanding commitment to the partnership ideals of VPP.

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SGE Eligibility Packet

Interested attendees must complete a SGE Eligibility packet that includes the following:

• Form  OF612 (i.e. safety and health work experience at VPP site –contained within SGE Application), OR
• Current Resume

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VPP Manager Contact Information: TBD

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