UCOR, Oak Ridge

oak ridge Cleaning contractor UCOR received a VPP Innovation Award from VPPPA for implementing a new digital interface that allows workers to report potential safety hazards via mobile phones.

Previously, safety observations were submitted using paper cards or via a web-based application accessed from a company desktop computer. Data from paper card submissions were manually entered into the program system.

Reducing the time required to identify and address risky behaviors and conditions is a key benefit of interfaces. If observations indicate an unsafe condition, corrective action is assigned and the condition is corrected immediately. Feedback is provided throughout the process to keep employees informed of corrected conditions.

“About 40% of UCOR employees do not have access to the company’s computer systems, so being able to send their observations from their mobile phones is a dramatic improvement,” said UCOR Safety Systems and Services. Manager Clint Wolfley said. “His interface on mobile has increased his observation submissions from about 200 per month to more than 450 due to accessibility and ease of use.”

CH2M HILL BWXT West Valley, West Valley Demonstration Project

DOE VPP Award West Valley Demonstration Project (WVDP) Cleanup Contractor CH2M HILL BWXT West Valley (CHBWV) received the Outstanding Star Award based on VPP’s excellent mentoring, outreach, goal setting and support. Distinguished Star winners also have a recordable incident injury rate that is 50% better than the average for other US companies in the same industry.

“This milestone marks more than 20 years since the VPP flag was hoisted above the site under three contractors. Our WVDP team has demonstrated daily that safety is at the forefront, especially when working in and around challenging and high-risk areas. Our approach promotes a culture of safety that continuously improves the working environment and reduces risk.”