The CH2M Hill Hanford Group team that operates the Hanford 222-S Laboratory has been recertified for Voluntary Protection Program star status.

The Department of Energy's Voluntary Protection Program recognizes outstanding safety and health protection performance. To gain recertification at the star level, the Analytical Technical Services group underwent a two-week assessment by five inspectors who interviewed 100 employees, inspected work sites and observed laboratory work with radioactive waste.

"It is evident that employees feel very strongly that upper management supports a strong safety culture, one which employees feel empowered to resolve health and safety concerns without fear of reprisal," said the report.