RICHLAND, Wash. – At the Hanford Site, the commitment to safety extends beyond workers and the job site to the community. Promoting the overall importance of health and safety at both home and work was the focus of the annual Health & Safety EXPO (EXPO), held in Pasco, Wash., May 9-11. With an average attendance of nearly 40,000, EXPO reaches a large cross-section of the community. 

   “Completing work safely is the top priority at the Hanford Site, and EXPO allows us to bring increased awareness to the significance of health and safety to the entire community. The EXPO highlights the work Hanford employees carry out every day using good safety techniques and equipment,” said Stacy Charboneau, manager of EM’s Richland Operations Office.

   Participants agree that EXPO is a great opportunity to practice and share their safety knowledge with others around Hanford and in the community. Owen Berglund, with Hanford contractor Washington River Protection Solutions, has been part of the EXPO committee since its beginnings 22 years ago. To him, the EXPO exemplified the seriousness of safety in all aspects of life. 

   One of the most popular and powerful parts of EXPO is the Vehicle Crash Demonstration, created through partnerships with local law enforcement, the Hanford Fire Department, wrecking and towing companies, and volunteer actors who illustrated the potential consequences of impaired or distracted driving. 

   “Knowing that it’s a demo and not real doesn’t diminish how compelling and impactful it is. As a young adult, I know many people who engage in unsafe driving. Participating in a crash demonstration as the ‘victim’ has changed the way I drive,” said Clayton Simundson, an intern with Hanford contractor Mission Support Alliance who has volunteered for the crash demonstration the past two years.

   In addition to the major Hanford contractors, health and safety vendors and exhibitors from around the region took part in EXPO. More than 150 booths were featured, many with interactive demonstrations and hands-on activities. Emphasis on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and its important role in health and safety was new this year. 

   Other highlights of the 2016 EXPO included “Casper” the inflatable colon, through which attendees walked to learn more about colon cancer awareness and prevention; MEGA Lungs, another walk through, interactive exhibit designed to educate about lung disease and lung health; and a bicycle rodeo to teach children the skills and precautions of safe ridership.