Haverhill-based Covanta Energy's Field Services - North, has earned the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration's top award in its Voluntary Protection Program.
The North Field Services unit for Covanta, an international firm that develops large-scale energy-from-waste projects, earned Star status in the OSHA program that recognizes health and safety program development and achievement.
Field services teams are responsible for performing maintenance at energy-from-waste facilities such as the plant in Haverhill.
According to a company statement, the Haverhill group is dedicated primarily to keeping Covanta's boilers operating at optimal levels, but also monitors electrical optimization and maintenance of turbine generators and facility cranes.
Additionally, service teams work to come up with strategies to protect employees by identifying, controlling and preventing occupational hazards in their energy-from-waste facilities.
"We are very proud that CFS North is the first traveling maintenance team ... to receive the Voluntary Protection Program Star honor," said Seth Myones, president of Covanta Americas. "The nature of their work demands continuous focus on safety day in and day out, but they also must keep in mind the safety of others at the facilities that they service."
The criteria for the Voluntary Protection Program Star honor is employee engagement, continued involvement in the day-to-day operation of the facilities and health and safety program development.
"(CFS North's) steadfast commitment to health and safety has led to a tremendous safety record," Myones said.
Covanta Energy operates 45 energy-from-waste facilities across the nation. The facilities convert more than 20 million tons of waste into almost 10 million megawatt hours of electricity, while creating an additional 10 billion pounds of steam sold to a variety of industries.
For more information, visit covantaenergy.com.
