September 17, 2026
National Cleanup Workshop
To the UCOR Workforce:I was honored to participate in DOE’s National Cleanup Workshop this week. The Energy Communities Alliance, in cooperation with DOE and the Energy Facility Contractors Group, has been sponsoring the National Cleanup Workshop each September in the Washington, D.C. area since 201
September 16, 2026
The differences between Type I and II hard hats
UCOR is transitioning from the use of traditional Type I to Type II hard hats. What are some of the differences between these hard hats, and why is UCOR making this change?• Type I hard hats are designed to reduce the force of an impact to the top of the head. • Type II hard are designed to reduce t
September 10, 2026
Cleanup creating opportunities
To the UCOR Workforce:Radiant hosted a community open house at the K-25 Interpretive Center last week to share an update on their M-50 facility plant under construction at ETTP Heritage Center. This event was yet another reminder of the importance of Team UCOR’s cleanup work to set the stage for Oak
September 9, 2026
Construction industry substance abuse rates
Recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention studies show that workers in the construction industry have some of the highest rates of substance abuse and overdose deaths in the U.S. —three times the rate of other industries.The Center for Construction Research and Training reports that although
September 3, 2026
Honoring our workforce
To the UCOR Workforce:As we approach Labor Day, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to each of you. This holiday is more than just a long weekend or the unofficial end of summer—it is a dedicated time to honor you, the hardworking individuals who drive our organization forward an
September 2, 2026
Suicide Prevention Awareness
Safety, at its core, is about ensuring that every single one of us safely goes home the way we came to work—both physically and mentally.September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. We often talk about jobsite hazards like falls, electrical shocks, and struck-by incidents—and rightfully so. Howe
August 27, 2026
Addressing challenges identified in Top Workplaces survey
To the UCOR Workforce:Following this year’s Top Workplaces survey, a team of 12 individuals across the organization performed an in-depth review of employee input. While topics such as our safety culture and mission received positive feedback, the survey also identified some challenges. To address t
August 26, 2026
Power Tool Safety
Taking shortcuts and being complacent can contribute to preventable power tool injuries. Whether at work or home, injuries such as cuts, punctures, crushing, repetitive strains, fractures, burns, electrical shocks, and amputations can occur when using power tools.Either on the job or in your garage,
August 6, 2026
In the Field at ORRL
I recently visited the Oak Ridge Reservation Landfills to view the heart and soul of our “waste factory approach” to cleanup. Landfill management is crucial to ensuring timely and efficient cleanup operations, and we have one of the best teams in the nation. Watch the video to find out more.
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