UCOR, Oak Ridge
Ridge Oak Cleaning company UCOR received the 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 through a web-based application accessed through company desktop computers. Data from paper map submissions was manually entered into the program system.
Reducing the time required to identify and address risky behaviors and conditions is a major benefit of the interface. When an observation indicates an unsafe condition, corrective action is assigned and the condition is promptly corrected. Feedback is provided throughout the process to keep staff informed of corrected conditions.
“Given that approximately 40% of UCOR’s workforce does not have access to corporate IT systems, the ability for them to submit comments from their cell phones is a dramatic improvement” , said Clint Wolfley, head of security systems and services at UCOR. “Because of its accessibility and ease of use, the mobile interface has increased the number of sighting submissions from around 200 to over 450 per month.”
CH2M HILL BWXT West Valley, West Valley Demonstration Project
DOE VPP honored West Valley Demonstration Project (WVDP) cleaning contractor CH2M HILL BWXT West Valley (CHBWV) with its Superior Star Award, which is based on outstanding mentorship, awareness, goal setting and support from VPP. Superior Star winners also have a recordable incident rate 50% higher than the average of other US companies in the same industry.
“This milestone marks over 20 years of flying the VPP flag at the site and under three contractors,” said Jennifer Dundas, EM WVDP Safety and Site Programs Team Leader. “All staff working on site should be extremely proud of this achievement. Our WVDP team has demonstrated that safety comes first every day, especially when working in and around difficult and high-risk areas. Their involvement and proactive approach to safety fosters a culture of safety that continuously improves the working environment and reduces risk.
