The Palo Verde Nuclear Generation Station near Tonopah was recently recertified as a Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Star workplace by the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH).

First certified in 2013, the nuclear plant was rated as being "above and beyond" the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. The evaluation included an application to OSHA and an onsite examination.

"The employees and management at APS (Arizona Public Service Co.) and Palo Verde have continually demonstrated that they take safety seriously at all levels of their organization and worksite," ADOSH Assistant Director Jessie Atencio said. "Palo Verde possesses an organizational culture with employees and management all working together to ensure injuries and illnesses do not happen."

The VPP Star designation is awarded to workplaces that have an injury and illness rate that is more than 50 percent less than the national average.

“It is clear that our core values and behaviors result from a commitment by all Palo Verde employees and contractors to emphasize safety over competing goals,” Palo Verde Senior Vice President of Operations Bob Bement said. “And when we say ‘safety,’ we are collectively referring to nuclear, industrial, radiological and safety culture. Every nuclear professional is involved in activities and decisions that impact their safety and the safety of their teammates. We’re proud to accomplish VPP Star status and remain committed to sustaining this high level of safety performance.”