Environment, Health and Safety
The success of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is, in part, dependent upon operational excellence. At PNNL, "operational excellence" means harnessing the energy and passion of every staff member to accomplish our mission: delivering outstanding research results in science and technology while cost effectively managing the Laboratory with the highest standards of good citizenship, safety, health, and environmental stewardship. The Environment, Health and Safety business unit of PNNL contributes to operational success by providing efficient and effective systems, processes, tools and services that enable staff to conduct their work in a safe, compliant and environmentally sound manner. Our staff, research and operational processes work together to produce outstanding results for our customers.
Environmental, Safety, and Health Program Policy
PNNL is committed to maintaining a safe workplace. To further this goal, PNNL has adopted safety standards, guidelines and processes. Employees are required to comply with all standards, guidelines and processes, as well as any applicable laws or regulations regarding workplace safety. PNNL protects the environment from unacceptable risks resulting from its operations through the implementation of a comprehensive sustainable environmental management system. Employees are required to comply with all elements of the environmental management system, as well as any applicable laws or regulations regarding environmental protection. If an employee witnesses any unsafe conditions or uncontrolled hazards, he or she must report them to his or her manager immediately. Employees must also report all workplace injuries, illnesses, incidents or releases to the environment as soon as possible, regardless of the severity. PNNL prohibits any form of discipline, reprisal, intimidation, or retaliation for reporting an environment, safety or health concerns or violations of policy, or for cooperating in related investigations.
National Recognition
PNNL has achieved national recognition for its environmental, safety, health & quality systems, processes and tools which is demonstrated through the following national registrations and certifications:
- In 2001 PNNL achieved the highest level of Voluntary Protection Program recognition by being awarded STAR status for implementation of an excellent safety and health program.
- The Department of Energy initially validated PNNL's implementation of Integrated Safety Management (ISM) system requirements in 1998. Integrated Safety Management outlines the parameters that make up a successful safety program integrating safety in all aspects of Laboratory operations. Each year PNNL resubmits ISM performance objectives, measures, and commitments to DOE for its approval. DOE has re-approved PNNL's ISM system annually since 2004.
- ISO 14001 is the benchmark international standard for excellence in Environmental Management Systems (EMS). PNNL's EMS was first registered to the ISO 14001 Standard in November 2002. Annually, the EMS is audited by third party auditors to verify that it is operating as intended and conformance with ISO 14001 standard.