North Wind Solutions Transuranic Waste Processing Center (TWPC) project is proud to have been recertified as a STAR site under the Department of Energy Voluntary Protection Program (DOE-VPP) and to have received the distinguished Superior Star Award. The criteria for “Superior Star” sites include approaching a recordable incident injury rate that is 75 percent better than the average of other U.S. businesses in the same industry code.
“As North Wind Solutions completes its fifth year at TWPC, I continue to be impressed with the sustained robust safety culture, even in the face of unprecedented pandemic challenges. Our employees’ continued questioning attitude and willingness to pause work when something is not right is the foundation of our safe operations.” said Linda Beach, TWPC Program Manager.
“Our employees at TWPC and across all of North Wind have continued to be diligent about thinking and acting safety, especially during the challenges of the pandemic this year, and it shows as we continue to perform safely year after year,” said Chris Leichtweis, President/CEO of North Wind Group. “This award is a reflection of the true leadership of John Bukowski (President of North Wind Solutions), Linda Beach and her TWPC team that believe in all elements of our established VPP program.”
The Department initiated its VPP in January 1994 to promote improved safety and health performance through public recognition of outstanding programs. DOE-VPP also includes coverage of radiation protection/nuclear safety and emergency management because of the type and complexity of DOE facilities. Similar to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA’s) VPP 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. The DOE-VPP has three (3) levels of recognition; STAR, MERIT, and DEMONSTRATION. Contractors whose programs meet the requirements for outstanding safety and health programs receive STAR recognition, the highest achievement level.
