Savannah River Remediation (SRR) Environmental Safety and Health Programs Manager Kevin Smith, center, holds the 2019 MoveSMART Excellence Award given to SRR. Other SRR employees display MoveSMART props used during training classes. From left are Terry Mi
Savannah River Remediation (SRR) Environmental Safety and Health Programs Manager Kevin Smith, center, holds the 2019 MoveSMART Excellence Award given to SRR. Other SRR employees display MoveSMART props used during training classes. From left are Terry Mi

AIKEN, S.C. – EM’s liquid waste contractor at the Savannah River Site (SRS) was recently recognized for its efforts in championing personal safety across the company.

   Savannah River Remediation (SRR), among just five winners globally, earned the 2019 MoveSMART Excellence Award, which is presented to organizations with exceptional processes, projects, and “champions” making a significant positive impact on employee safety.

   MoveSMART is a safety program designed to empower employees to take control of their own safety, often dramatically reducing workplace injuries. It focuses on preventing strains, falls, and other injuries through movement techniques, such as strength, control, and balance.

   SRR has been using MoveSMART tools since 2009 and has since seen a decrease in the number of sprain and strain-type injuries. Seven SRR employees serve as MoveSMART instructors, and classes are held periodically to train employees on the correct use of techniques.

   In a letter to SRR, MoveSMART Founder and Managing Director Robert Pater congratulated the team for its consistent actions that have led to positive results in safety.

   “We’re impressed with your successes, from developing a virtual reality (VR) environment to help reinforce the balance training, designating a MoveSMART classroom, adjusting class logistics in order to provide improved training and participant understanding of MoveSMART, engaging maintenance personnel to supply props, and routinely including MoveSMART methods, techniques, and refresher ideas in your companywide communications and training materials,” Pater said.

   SRR implemented a VR training tool last year to help new employees get a feel for walking in unfamiliar and unusual environments, such as the SRS Tank Farms, ultimately helping to prevent slips, trips, and falls.

   SRR Environmental, Safety, and Health Director Patricia Allen said the company has been committed to raising awareness of personal safety and preventing injuries in the workplace.

   “Workplace incidents are often easily avoidable, and the MoveSMART program helps to teach simple ways to mitigate an accident or injury,” Allen said. “Earning the 2019 Excellence Award further proves our efforts to develop and implement new safety programs, like the virtual reality training, are worth it.”