Large vehicles and heavy machinery took center stage at the Vit Plant’s second annual Heavy Equipment Expo. The event gives workers hands-on experience with the large vehicles used at the plant while promoting awareness of the hazards they can pose.
As Hanford continues its mission to treat and immobilize millions of gallons of chemical and radioactive waste, workforce safety remains a top priority, and events like these highlight that ongoing commitment.
Expo attendees climbed inside bulldozers, excavators and telehandlers to experience firsthand the blind spots and other challenges operators face. Operators answered questions and shared valuable insights about the unique hazards associated with operating each machine.
“Every worker needs to understand the safety risks associated with large machines,” said Mat Irwin, acting assistant manager for the Vit Plant Project. “Hands-on experiences offer workers perspectives that classroom or computer-based training can’t.”
This year Vit Plant staff members combined the Heavy Equipment Expo with their annual safety expo, which brings together different safety teams and departments from across the plant. Each team set up a booth with safety-themed activities and provided information about their roles in plant operations.
“Seeing our staff excited to learn about safety shows how valuable these events are for building a strong safety culture,” said Brian Hartman, project director for WTP and senior vice president for Bechtel National Inc., “Our team members walked away with a lot of important information, and creative activities make the lessons more memorable.”
About the Vit Plant
In southeastern Washington state, Bechtel National, Inc. is designing, constructing, and commissioning the world’s largest radioactive waste treatment plant for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). When complete, the Hanford Tank Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant, also known as the Vit Plant, will process and stabilize millions of gallons of radioactive and chemical waste currently stored at the Hanford Site.