To the UCOR Workforce: You may have heard a little about a big project going on to modernize UCOR’s business systems—the Paragon Project. When the Training and HR track is implemented this fall, it is going to greatly improve our business efficiency. Imagine being able to use a personal portal for many of your HR…
CPR and AED AwarenessMission
Sudden cardiac arrest is the abrupt loss of heart function caused by an electrical malfunction. It prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching the brain and vital organs, leading to death within minutes if untreated. An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a sophisticated yet easy-to-use portable medical device. It analyzes the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, delivers…
UCOR responding to Top Workplaces feedback
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 Awareness
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…
Award-winning progress at Y-12
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…
Memorial Day Weekend Safety
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 Battery Safety
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…
Cleanup momentum at ORNL
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…
Earbud and Headset Use
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…
A message from Jim Blankenhorn – Video conversation
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…




