Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC at Y-12 National Security Complex Recertified as “Star” Participant in DOE Voluntary Protection Program

The U.S. Department of Energy Voluntary Protection Program (DOE-VPP) Team from the Office of Worker Safety and Health Assistance (EHSS-12) recently completed an assessment of Consolidated Nuclear Security (CNS) LLC’s operations at the Y-12 National Security Complex. The DOE-VPP recognizes contractor participants for going above and beyond the basic requirements of DOE safety and health regulations, Orders, and Standards and promotes excellence in contractor safety and health programs. It encourages participants to seek continuous improvement in safety and health through cooperative efforts by managers, employees, bargaining units, and DOE. After a two-week virtual assessment and a two-week onsite assessment by the VPP team, Mr. Todd Lapointe, Director of the Office of Environment, Health, Safety and Security, recertified CNS as a Star participant, the highest level of recognition in the program.

A review of the last three years of Total Recordable Cases (TRC) and Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred (DART) revealed that CNS, including subcontractors, maintained rates well below the industry average for its North American Industry Classification System code as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The Team also noted that CNS continues to promote a strong safety culture by employing a staff proud to support its mission safely. It has proactive leaders who prioritize safety and consistently seek effective ways to assess workforce needs and communicate safety initiatives. CNS managers, technical staff, safety professionals, and bargaining unit workers exhibit a partnership focused first on safe work execution. The Team observed a workforce willing to ask questions, raise concerns, and empowered to stop work without fear of retaliation. These are traits of managers and workers that understand their responsibilities towards each other’s safety and serve as an example to peers throughout the DOE complex.

CNS was awarded Transitional Star status in 2014 upon application to DOE-VPP as the new Management & Operating contractor at Y-12. It was originally awarded Star status in 2017.  

The Team consisted of Mr. Moises Atiles, Mr. Wallace “Gator” Czapla, Mr. Michael Gilroy, Mr. Robert “Bob” Meloche, and Mr. Matthew Ramsey. Mr. Gilroy served as team leader for this assessment with Mr. Ramsey operating as team leader in training. Assisting with the assessment were volunteer Team members Ms. Marvelee Brewer of RSI Entech, LLC and Mr. Coby Moke from Mission Support and Test Services, LLC at the Nevada National Security Site.

More information on DOE-VPP can be found here or you can contact the team at [email protected].