TWPC is a Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) STAR of Excellence
Site
In achieving our vision for the TWPC to be recognized as the DOE’s safest and
most efficient nuclear waste processing facility and to be acknowledged by the
DOE and the community for our environmental excellence and as a central
component of the DOE Oak Ridge Clean-Up Program, we are committed to the Tenets
of the DOE VPP.
Our safety policy at the TWPC is that each and every one of us integrates safety
into every aspect of the way we think, work and interact because the health and
well being of each person, the community and the environment is of utmost
importance to all of us.
It is through the implementation of our TWPC Vision and the TWPC commitment to
doing work safely that we received the VPP STAR of Excellence status in August
2010. We intend to continually
improve to maintain the DOE VPP STAR of Excellence while growing to a DOE VPP
Legacy of Stars site and beyond.
TWPC Road to VPP Star of Excellence
What is VPP?
The
DOE-VPP outlines areas where DOE contractors and subcontractors can go beyond
compliance with DOE orders and OSHA standards while also "stretching for
excellence." DOE-VPP emphasizes systematic and creative approaches involving
cooperative efforts of everyone in the contractor or subcontractor workforce at
DOE sites, including contractor managers and workers.
Requirements for DOE-VPP participation are based on comprehensive management
systems, with employees actively involved in assessing, preventing, and
controlling the potential health and safety hazards at their sites. DOE-VPP is
designed to apply to all contractors in the DOE complex and encompasses
production facilities, research and development operations, and various
subcontractors and support organizations. DOE contractors are not required to
apply for participation in the DOE-VPP. In
keeping with OSHA's VPP philosophy, participation is strictly voluntary.
Our Road to VPP STAR of Excellence Status
TWPC begin their journey for VPP STAR status in October 2007 by submitting an
application to the DOE VPP.
The Office of Worker Safety and Health Assistance conducted an initial
review in March 2008 and TWPC was awarded Merit status.
The Merit Program is a stepping stone for contractors who have good
safety and health programs but need time and DOE guidance to reach STAR Status.
In May 2009, a follow-up onsite review was conducted and TWPC was awarded VPP
STAR Status. This was a great
accomplishment for TWPC. Participants
in the STAR Program serve as models for other members of their industry and
other DOE contractors.
TWPC continues our mission to improve and to strive for excellence.
In August 2010, during the annual VPP Conference, TWPC received the VPP
STAR of Excellence Award. Our
achievement of this prestigious award recognized our strong commitment to safety
and excellence in implementing safety while executing the high priority work of
disposing of the DOE’s inventory of transuranic waste.
In November 2010, TWPC celebrated this accomplishment and was presented
with the VPP STAR of Excellence plaque by the DOE Oak Ridge Operations Office.
The celebration was attended by key DOE Representatives from the Oak
Ridge Operations Office, DOE Headquarters in Washington, DC, and TWPC personnel.
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