August 3, 2026
Isotope Row demolition begins
To the UCOR Workforce:UCOR has embarked on the next chapter of cleanup that is opening opportunities at ORNL’s central campus. On Monday, we began demolishing the first of ten isotope research and production facilities, known collectively as Isotope Row. In addition to eliminating the risk posed by
July 30, 2026
All Hands Meeting Q&As and link to meeting recording
Thanks to everyone who submitted questions for the All Hands Meeting. We are working to get responses to you as quickly as possible. Following are the Q&As so far with the dates published in Newsline. We will continue to update as needed.Note: You can access the video recording of the meeting here.J
July 27, 2026
All Hands Meeting Q&As
Thanks to everyone who submitted questions for the All Hands Meeting. We are working to get responses to you as quickly as possible. Following are the Q&As with the dates published in Newsline.July 23, 2026Q. How will the merger of the new ATLC contract effect the seniority list for each craft?A. Se
July 23, 2026
Key takeaways from All Hands Meeting
To the UCOR Workforce:Thank you for participating in yesterday’s All Hands Meeting. Whether you attended live from block training or remotely across the Oak Ridge Reservation, I appreciate your attendance and attention.As we look ahead, keep UCOR’s values, developed by our Local Safety Improvement T
July 16, 2026
Recognizing our small business partners
To the UCOR Workforce:This morning, I had the pleasure of attending and being a keynote speaker at UCOR’s 14th Annual Small Business Awards ceremony. We recognized six small businesses for their critical contributions to our mission.These small business partners are integral to UCOR fulfilling the D
July 15, 2026
Appropriate Footwear
Footwear requirements vary depending on the work location. Procedure PROC-EH-2000, General Safety Requirements defines footwear requirements for three distinct work areas.Please consult your safety representative if you have questions about the following footwear guidelines for areas in which you wo
July 9, 2026
Note to the workforce: Hitting critical milestones
To the UCOR Workforce:As we head into the final stretch of the fiscal year, I want to thank you for our outstanding accomplishments over the last two months. Your hard work, dedication, and expertise have helped us hit critical milestones across our projects.Some of the key recent achievements inclu
July 8, 2026
Lightning
Lightning poses a significant, yet often underestimated hazard for individuals working or playing outdoors. Each year, lightning strikes the ground millions of times in the United States, leading to hundreds of injuries and many fatalities (21 fatalities in 2025, the most since 2019).Florida led the
June 25, 2026
In the field at ORNL
To the UCOR Workforce:Today, I’m offering a different platform for my weekly message. I’m coming to you from the field, sharing a short video of my visit with D&D crews at ORNL. It was good to see the work up close and talk with the people who make it possible. Click the graphic to view the video.Be
June 18, 2026
Summer interns
To the UCOR Workforce:Our 2026 summer interns are now established in their work assignments. They’re wearing green lanyards for visibility, and I hope you’ll spot them and welcome them to Team UCOR.We have 37 talented interns this summer working across the company representing 12 schools from seven
June 17, 2026
Trenching Safety
When working in and around trenches, the most common potential hazards include cave-ins, hazardous atmospheres, falling objects or debris, and struck-by or caught-between scenarios.Remember to use the following safe practices when working in or around trenches:Maintain a safe way to enter and exit –
June 11, 2026
Participating in LSITs
To the UCOR Workforce:As I’m sure you know, one of the five elements of the Voluntary Protection Program is employee involvement. That’s important because you are the ones doing the work and know what could be made safer. Across UCOR, I see and appreciate how actively focused the team is on safety
June 11, 2026
Trailer Safety Week
According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, passenger vehicle trailer-towing accidents are prominent. During 2023, more than 69,000 passenger vehicle trailer-towing crashes are estimated to have resulted in 500 fatalities and 25,000 nonfatal injuries with Tennessee having
June 4, 2026
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 man
June 4, 2026
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 m
May 28, 2026
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
May 27, 2026
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
May 21, 2026
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 Thom
May 20, 2026
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 weath
May 18, 2026
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
May 14, 2026
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 in
May 13, 2026
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 a
May 7, 2026
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 forw
May 6, 2026
Ladder Safety – Preventing Falls
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:Se