ORISE receives continued recognition at the Star level in DOE VPP

ORISE recently awarded seventh straight “Star of Excellence” award for its pursuit of excellence in health and safety

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 12, 2012
FY12-16

OAK RIDGE, Tenn.—The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, which is managed by Oak Ridge Associated Universities, was recently recognized for its pursuit of excellence in health and safety and for achieving continued recognition at the Star level in the Department of Energy’s Voluntary Protection Program.

“Protecting the safety and health of our employees is an important to component to ORISE,” said Andy Page, director of ORISE. “This achievement reflects ORISE’s commitment to high standards regarding health and safety, and proves that our awareness and practices are concurrent with DOE regulations.”

DOE's VPP promotes safety and health excellence through cooperative efforts among labor, management and government at DOE contractor sites. DOE has also formed partnerships with other federal agencies and the private sector for both advancing and sharing its VPP experiences and preparing for program challenges.

ORISE was also recently presented its seventh consecutive "Star of Excellence” award from DOE. ORISE accepted the award at the DOE Voluntary Protection Program Participants’ Association annual conference in New Orleans, La.

The “Star of Excellence” award represents the highest achievement level and is presented by DOE to VPP Star Site contractors who meet exceptional safety and health standards. The award also signifies ORISE’s participatory role in actively mentoring other companies and achieving an injury and illness rate 75 percent below the national comparative standard set by the North American Industry Classification System.

DOE initiated VPP in January 1994 to promote improved safety and health performance through public recognition of outstanding programs. It also includes coverage of radiation protection/nuclear safety and emergency management because of the type and complexity of DOE facilities. Similar to Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s program, DOE-VPP provides several proven benefits to participating sites, including improved labor/management relations, reduced workplace injuries and illnesses, increased employee involvement, improved morale, reduced absenteeism, and public recognition.