LAS VEGAS -- For a fourth consecutive year, the U.S. Department of Energy has presented its highest safety award, "Star of Excellence" status, to Bechtel Co., the management and operating contractor for DOE's Yucca Mountain Project.

The award is given to DOE contractors who reach the highest level of achievement in the department's voluntary protection program. The program stresses excellence in worker safety and health above and beyond DOE and Occupational Safety and Health Administration rules.

DOE also granted Bechtel SAIC the "Legacy of Stars" award, given to contractors who have attained star of excellence status four consecutive years.

Bechtel President and General Manager Ted Feigenbaum said the awards represent "an extraordinary level of achievement in industrial safety. Congratulations to the entire organization for demonstrating high safety standards and a strong safety culture."

Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management Director Ward Sproat said the award is "a model of how DOE and its contractors should work together for mutual success."

Since Bechtel first won the award in 2005, the company has logged as many as 6 million consecutive labor hours without a day lost to injury.

The company employs about 700 engineers, scientists, technicians, and business professionals who manage the Yucca Mountain Project for the Department of Energy's OCRWM.