Bechtel Safety Specialist Honored as "Emerging Leader"

TatosianMichelle

A national organization has selected a Bechtel industrial hygiene and safety specialist to receive its Emerging Safety Leader Excellence Award in recognition of her innovation, leadership, and impact on workplace safety. Michelle Tatosian accepted the award at the Voluntary Protection Programs Participants’ Association's (VPPPA) Safety+ Symposium 2025 last week in St. Louis, Missouri. 

In just two years with Bechtel, Michelle has become a key player in driving safety culture at the Vit Plant's jobsite. From hazard analysis on an ammonia system to improving lockout/tagout practices and evaluating 300+ confined spaces, her hands-on approach has made a measurable difference in the safety posture.

According to the VPPPA, she was “recognized for her proactive approach to hazard prevention, leadership on high-risk systems, and deep commitment to employee engagement. Michelle's work with VPP teams and cross-functional safety initiatives reflects the innovation, integrity and people-first mindset that define the next generation of safety leaders.”

The award safety professionals with less than 10 years of experience who demonstrate exceptional dedication, leadership, and innovation. It highlights individuals making a significant impact on workplace safety - regardless of whether they’re based at a VPP site. Founded in 1985, VPPPA represents more than 1,400 companies and sites nationwide. The group promotes health and safety through collaboration, mentorship, and education.

Tony Campbell, jobsite Safety and Health manager, and Wade Bruemmer, safety culture manager, praised Michelle for her accomplishments and leadership ability.

• “Michelle has made meaningful contributions to both the site’s safety performance and its culture by identifying and addressing systemic safety risks before they became incidents. Her approach has led to measurable improvements in both hazard recognition and employee engagement.” – Tony Campbell
• “Michelle has a knack for spotting safety issues early and finding practical solutions. She’s helped improve how the site recognizes hazards, and she keeps her fellow employees engaged in safety.” – Wade Bruemmer

Michelle’s involvement in safety extends well beyond her day-to-day responsibilities. She represented the Project at the 2024 VPPPA National Conference and has served as an active member and supporter of multiple employee-led safety initiatives, including the VPP Action Team and the jobsite Area Safety Team.

Michelle is an is an Industrial Safety and Hygiene Specialist. She joined Bechtel and the Hanford Vit Plant project in 2023. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania and is a certified Associate Safety Professional and Associate in Risk Management.