VPP STAR Site
Within the Department of Energy's Voluntary Protection Program (VPP), there are three 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.
The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) is one of only 26 DOE sites to achieve VPP STAR Status. ORISE first earned the STAR distinction in December of 2003 following a comprehensive evaluation of its application for the VPP program. At the time, ORISE was just the 21st DOE site to earn STAR status.
As a STAR Site, ORISE has an obligation not only to maintain steady pursuit of excellence in safety but also to share its success by mentoring other organizations. During the past three years, the Environment, Safety and Health (ESH) staff at ORISE has worked closely with representatives from Honeywell, Shaw Environmental, Wackenhut, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as those organizations have pursued VPP certification.
From left to right: Congressman Zach Wamp (R-TN); Oak Ridge Mayor David Bradshaw; ORAU ES&H Director Bob Kapolka; ORAU IEAV Program Manager Eric Abelquist; DOE Headquarters VPP Coordinator David Smith; DOE/ORO Manager Gerald Boyd; and ORISE Director Ron Townsend.