EM-Los Alamos Recognized by DOE for Occurrence Reporting

Newport News Nuclear BWXT-Los Alamos LLC employees process a radioactively contaminated corrugated metal pipe as part of the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management’s legacy waste cleanup at Technical Area 54, Area G at Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico.

DOE Office of Worker Protection and Nuclear Safety applauds EM-Los Alamos contractor for invaluable dedication to fostering culture of transparency, continuous improvement

LOS ALAMOS, N.M. — Environmental Management Los Alamos Field Office contractor Newport News Nuclear BWXT-Los Alamos LLC (N3B) was recently recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Worker Protection and Nuclear Safety for outstanding, proactive contributions to DOE’s knowledge base through the Occurrence Reporting and Processing System (ORPS).

The Office of Worker Protection and Nuclear Safety commended the Los Alamos National Laboratory legacy cleanup contractor for fostering a culture of transparency and continuous improvement, which, according to the proclamation, directly strengthens workforce safety and reliability.

Larry Perkins, the office’s director, lauded N3B for its exemplary commitment to safety and operational excellence.

“Their diligence in sharing crucial insights, even when not strictly required, significantly enhances the collective understanding of potential risks and best practices across the DOE complex,” Perkins wrote in a certificate of recognition.

ORPS is a system used for reporting and analyzing events that affect health, safety, environment, security and reputation.

“Safety is the cornerstone of everything we do at N3B,” said Brad Smith, N3B president and general manager. “Reporting occurrences is a tried-and-true method for improving safety and performance across the board. I am pleased DOE recognizes our efforts to reduce risk and promote best safety practices.”

The Office of Worker Protection and Nuclear Safety develops and maintains requirements and guidance for worker safety and health, nuclear safety, safety management programs, and quality assurance.

The N3B ORPS Team includes Gail Helm, Luis Santana and John Guy with Facility Operations; Cassie Brown, Steve Maze and Jeremiah McLaughlin with Environmental Remediation Operations; and Eilidh Wilson, Lauren Griffith, Anne Forde, Chris Mae Palelon and Brandy Fiedler with Contractor Assurance System/Mission Assurance.

-Contributor: Donavan Mager