The Operations Excellence Council provides a senior management forum focused on delivering leading-edge science, and developing a strong commitment to, and culture around, research and operational excellence throughout the laboratory. The council supports timely, transparent and effective decision-making on operational programs. It communicates customer feedback, needs and priorities, and reviews lab performance targets and metrics.
Diversity and inclusion share
Mike Dunn, deputy chief operations officer, complimented the “Holidays Around the World” potluck that took place Jan. 9, 2019. This event was well attended and hosted by multiple Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).
Gail Stine, interim senior director, Environment, Safety, Health and Quality, mentioned the Core Values Showcase Exhibit in the Building 201 Gallery. All are welcome to the director’s reception, which will be held Thursday, Jan. 17, from 4-6 p.m.
Leslie Krohn, chief communications officer and director of Communications and Public Affairs, acknowledged the ABLED (Argonne Backs, Listens, and Educates for Disabilities) group as an ERG that touches everyone. Human Resource Services Talent Acquisition Manager Jim Bluemond was recognized on a job well done for facilitating the ABLED meetings.
Debrief on foreign visits workshop/international interactions
Kim Sawyer, deputy laboratory director for operations and chief operations officer, and Kim Mandekich, director of the Security, Travel and Emergency division, attended a foreign visits integration/benchmarking workshop on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. The workshop focused on changes to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Strategic International Science and Technology Engagement Policy. The topic was discussed and formal guidance will be provided once additional information is received from DOE. Mandekich offered to host Q&A sessions for division directors and directorates after the new policy takes effect.
Electrical Safety Program update
An Electrical Safety Program independent assessment will occur from Jan. 21-25, 2019. The purpose of this assessment is to evaluate the effectiveness of the corrective action items identified in the Corrective Action Review Board electrical safety corrective action plan to determine whether the Electrical Safety Program has been effective in changing the safety culture. An assessment out-brief is scheduled for Feb. 1, 2019; the OEC will be briefed subsequently.
ESH Safety Program Manager Al Kikilas presented Electrical Safety Program statistics for FY18. In summary:
- 2 events reported to the Occurrence Reporting and Processing System
- 3 electrical incidents
- 326 days since our last shock
- 41 work control documents reviewed
- 108 Vector requests submitted
- 9 approved Electrical Energized Work Permits, 1 disapproved
George Srajer, deputy associate laboratory director for Photon Sciences, thanked Al for his efforts and help at the Advanced Photon Source. Kim Sawyer complimented the great progress that has been made.
Future meeting topics
Future meeting topic requests included:
- University of Chicago Argonne Financial Review out-brief
- Workday Financials update
- Upcoming Electrical Safety Program assessment out-brief
- Leadership Institute listening sessions results (February)
- Postdoc assessment out-brief
- Introduction of new hire for ombudsman