Hanford Site Engineer Receives Workplace Safety Award

Jennifer Martin, right, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Authority Having Jurisdiction and Hanford Electrical Codes Board Chair, presents the Paul Case Award to Hanford Mission Integrations Solutions Chief Engineer Drew Thomas.

RICHLAND, Wash. – The chief engineer with the Hanford Site's essential services prime contractor has been recognized with a sitewide honor for his commitment to electrical safety.

Drew Thomas, chief engineer with Hanford Mission Integration Solutions (HMIS), recently received the Paul Case Award, which recognizes Hanford workers who demonstrate an unselfish commitment to ensuring the site is safe from electrical hazards.

“Drew’s outstanding leadership and dedication to safety have driven major improvements at Hanford, especially in electrical operations,” said James Oakes, an electrical engineer with the Hanford Field Office. “He established the Electrical Safety Forum, which evaluates and addresses important sitewide electrical safety challenges. His active engagement with national safety organizations inspires collaboration across our team.”

To further support electrical safety, Thomas recently became a certified electrical inspector and Certified Electrical Safety Compliance Professional. As HMIS' Authority Having Jurisdiction, Thomas is responsible for ensuring electrical work meets safety requirements and for approving work practices, equipment, inspections and condition reports. Additionally, he performs electrical assessments at other DOE sites, including Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Idaho National Laboratory, and regularly shares lessons learned from Hanford while bringing back best practices from other locations.

“At Hanford, safety goes beyond the requirements to creating a culture we continually strengthen together to ensure everyone goes home safely,” Thomas shared. “I am honored to receive the Paul Case Award and proud to work alongside so many dedicated engineers, electricians and safety professionals committed to protecting our team.”

The award is named after the late Paul Case, who helped build Hanford’s electrical safety program. He is remembered for his expertise and dedication, and for sharing his knowledge with others. The award was first presented in 2009.