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Integrated Safety Management Workshop

Safety Incentives and Worker Involvement

Don Metzler, DOE-EM Federal Project DirectorJoe Legare, S.M. Stoller Corporation

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The Challenge

Maintain Proactive Employee Involvement in ISM Core Functions Moab is a remote site with an increasing level of

activity The project is transitioning into a new phase of work

with increased construction activity at Moab and Crescent Junction

The workforce has fluctuated from ~12 to ~120 contractor and subcontractor personnel during the past 12 months

Worker engagement in the ISM core functions is essential to workplace safety

The Safety Incentive Program engages workers in feedback and work planning functions

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IntroductionMoab UMTRA ProjectMoab, UT - Crescent Junction, UT - Grand Junction, CO

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Site Overview

Uranium ore was mined and milled by private companies for Federal Government use in national defense programs.

After the 1950s, uranium was also needed for nuclear power.

Milling operations created process wastes and tailings, a sand-like material containing radioactive materials and other contaminants.

Seepage from the tailings pile resulted in contaminated ground water beneath the uranium processing site.

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Site Overview

Moab Site Adjacent to the Colorado River Three miles northwest of Moab in Grand

County, Utah Public roads border the site to the north and

the southwest Union pacific railroad traverses the site Bordered on the north and southwest by

steep sandstone cliffs

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Overview

Moab Site

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Site Overview

Crescent Junction

~30 miles north of Moab Site Located between Crescent Junction and

Thompson Springs Undeveloped and remote

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Hazards Review

Some of the hazards associated with work at Moab and Crescent Junction include:

Motor vehicle traffic Biological hazards: Spiders, insects, snakes Construction hazards Radiation and contamination Flammable liquids Buried utilities Work near water High-pressure underground gas lines Working on or near active rail lines Exposure to heat and cold

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DOE Current Activities

Groundwater extraction and injection Characterization of airborne, soil and ground water Maintenance of access and radiological controls to the

tailings pile Development of site infrastructure in support of the

DOE preferred alternaitve Preliminary assessment and activities related to

remediation of vicinity properties Revegetation of remediated areas Development of site infrastructure at Crescent Junction Site staffing has fluctuated from ~12 to ~125 contractor

and subcontractor personnel over last yr

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DOE Planned Activities

Construct a lined cell at Crescent Junction Construct a haul road for transporting

tailings by containers from the pile to the rail line

Construct rail spurs at Moab and Crescent Junction sites

Begin excavation of the pile, transport to Crescent Junction, and place the tailings in the cell

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The Challenge

Maintaining a Strong Safety Culture

Maintain a strong core safety culture at two remote DOE sites with an increasing level of activity

Develop and maintain open lines of communication between the workforce, supervisors and managers to achieve a strong core safety culture in a dynamic work environment

Achieve workforce ownership of the processes for working safely

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The challenge

Maximizing Employee Involvement

Define the scope of work

Analyze Hazards

Implement controls

Perform the Work

Feedback and ImprovementFeedback and Improvement

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Safety Incentives Program

High degree of employee involvement in providing feedback during work planning

Employee ownership of safety message Recognition through on-the-spot awards for feedback

and improvement initiatives Monthly safety lunch with feedback and worker

recognition for safe performance of work Innovative means of reinforcing the safety message Direct involvement of the DOE Federal Project

Director and Stoller Management

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The Approach

High Degree of Workforce Involvement

Individual and team contribution are recognized Daily toolbox meetings Weekly Safety Presentations

Workforce led presentations on selected safety topic

Monthly Safety Lunches DOE HQ expectations communicated Stoller Corp. safety culture communicated Workforce, management, subcontractor

participation

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Making the Message Stick

Innovation and Incentives

Safety skits Safety Jeopardy Guest speakers Safety videos On-the spot awards Monthly safety awards

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Making the Message Stick

Safety Skit

“Backhoe operator for hire” Created and enacted by project workers Site manager and worker interact in a safety

skit Other luncheon attendees point out safety

and health poor practices Active involvement and memorable learning

experience

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Making the Message Stick

Safety Skit“Back Hoe Operator for Hire”

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Making the Message Stick

Safety Jeopardy

And the answer is: A friendly competition where your knowledge

of hazards and safe work practices will make you a winner.

What is safety Jeopardy?

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Innovation and Incentives

On-the-Spot Awards

Specific on-the-spots recognizing worker safety acts and initiatives will be enumerated here

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Conclusion

The safety incentives program has been in place about six months

Workers have responded favorably to the safety incentives, safety lunch and to senior DOE and contractor management involvement

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Moab UMTRA Project