To the UCOR Workforce: Last month, I shared the exciting news about UCOR winning the USA Today Top Workplaces award and how incredibly proud I am to be part of this team. That award is a direct result of your honest feedback in our February survey and reflects the “Top Workplace” culture we’ve built here.…
Mental health is a critical component of overall wellbeing, influencing how we think, feel, and act. It impacts nearly every aspect of our lives—relationships, communication, decision-making, sleep, physical health, etc. Establishing good mental wellbeing is key to navigating life and achieving your goals with a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment. Proactively investing in your…
As mentioned earlier this week in Newsline, our successful teardown of the Alpha-2 facility at Y-12 has earned us national recognition—the prestigious 2026 Joseph R. La Rocca Union Project of the Year Award, presented by The Association of Union Contractors (TAUC). TAUC also awarded us the 2026 Thomas J. Reynolds Safety Award for achieving a…
As we approach Memorial Day weekend, take measures to remain focused while at work. If your mind is wandering from the task being performed, slow down and pause to regain situational awareness. Before leaving for the holiday, secure and configure work areas and make sure to address anticipated weather conditions. The National Safety Council warns…
Lithium batteries are generally safe and unlikely to fail when designed, manufactured, and used properly. When lithium batteries fail to operate safely or are damaged, they may present a fire and/or explosion hazard. Damage from improper use, storage, or charging may also cause lithium batteries to fail. Tips to ensure safety include: Inspect batteries and…
To the UCOR Workforce: UCOR’s cleanup momentum continues across the Oak Ridge Reservation. At ORNL, we have added another aging facility, Building 3544 Process Waste Treatment Plant, to the cleanup sequence while continuing to advance demolition readiness across the heart of central campus through innovative cleanup solutions. On Isotope Row, crews are preparing to demolish…
Where allowed, the use of earbuds or a headset at work can help boost focus and reduce distractions. However, they can also introduce safety risks that should be taken into consideration. Communication: Does the use of earbuds or a headset increase or decrease your ability to communicate with those around you? If using a device designed…
To the UCOR Workforce: I was delighted to sit down with our Public Affairs team last week to record a video focusing on a variety of topics. We crafted this conversation to cover areas identified in questions we received directly from employees. I hope you find this video informative, and I look forward to future…
While ladders are common tools, they cause a significant number of injuries and even fatalities each year. Falls from ladders, which are completely preventable, are among the leading causes of deaths on construction sites. Use the following guidelines to reduce the risk of ladder-related accidents: Selection: Select the correct type of ladder for the task.…
To the UCOR Workforce: I’ve always been impressed with the innovative approaches UCOR has used to ensure work is completed efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively. It started at the beginning of UCOR’s first contract with the waste factory method—employing a waste hauling and transportation system to immediately dispose of demolition debris rather than let it pile…
