A member of the Hanford Site workforce is among a group of up-and-coming professionals under 40 who the National Safety Council (NSC) recently spotlighted as “Rising Stars of Safety” for demonstrating exceptional safety leadership.
Office of Environmental Management
November 21, 2023
minute read time
RICHLAND, Wash. — A member of the Hanford Site workforce is among a group of up-and-coming professionals under 40 who the National Safety Council (NSC) recently spotlighted as “Rising Stars of Safety” for demonstrating exceptional safety leadership.
Courtney Smith, an Occupational Safety and Industrial Hygiene Program manager with EM Richland Operations Office contractor Central Plateau Cleanup Company (CPCCo), was one of 36 individuals from eight countries and various
industries who were honored for their commitment to innovation, collaboration and creating safer workplaces.
“Safety is not just a word, but a way of life at the Hanford Site,” said Stan Branch, EM Safety and Health Division director for the Hanford Site. “The Department and its contractors are committed to the highest safety standards and practices to protect our workforce, and Smith really exemplifies all those values.”
Smith was nominated in part for her role in designing and implementing CPCCo’s all-employee Healthy & Mission Ready Program. The initiative tasks project teams with creating videos, webpages and other activities to promote monthly health and safety topics, enhancing worker engagement and focusing on total worker health.
Courtney Smith, right, Occupational Safety and Industrial Hygiene Program manager for EM Hanford Site contractor Central Plateau Cleanup Company, was recognized as one of the National Safety Council’s “Rising Stars of Safety” at last month’s annual conference in New Orleans. Smith was joined at the conference by Megan Proctor, left, the company’s Environmental, Safety and Health director.
Smith also leads CPCCo’s partnership with the Safety & Health Management Program at Central Washington University, fostering connections with university students to share real-world safety and health experiences and innovations developed at the Hanford Site with the next generation of nuclear workers.
“Smith sets an extremely high bar for herself, her team and the entire workforce,” said Megan Proctor, CPCCo Environmental, Safety and Health director. “She leads by example by putting safety first and being the first to jump in to tackle a difficult task.”
Smith was happy to receive the council’s recognition and noted that the support and commitment of her team members is integral to her success.
“I am excited to be named an NSC Rising Star, but my success is attributed to the support and dedication of my amazing team,” said Smith. “They make safety their No. 1 priority. Safety really is a team effort.”
Courtney Smith was among 36 “Rising Stars of Safety” highlighted in the October issue of the National Safety Council’s Safety+Health Magazine. Smith is the Occupational Safety and Industrial Hygiene Program manager for EM Hanford Site contractor Central Plateau Cleanup Company.
Smith and her fellow Rising Stars were recognized at an awards ceremony Oct. 24 in New Orleans, which was held in conjunction with the 2023 NSC Safety Congress & Expo, the nation’s largest gathering of safety and health professionals.
You can see the full Class of 2023 Rising Stars here.
-Contributor: Karisa Saywers