March 17, 2014

DOE INVESTIGATION FINDS SAFETY CULTURE ISSUE AT AMWTP

By ExchangeMonitor

A Department of Energy investigation has substantiated allegations of safety culture issues at the Idaho Advanced Mixed Waste Treatment Project. An investigation performed by the DOE Idaho Operations Office Employee Concerns Program in response to an anonymous concern found that an AMWTP employee “did not foster an environment for workers to openly raise safety concerns,” according to a copy of the investigation report WC Monitor obtained yesterday through a Freedom of Information Act request. All of the names mentioned in the report were redacted.

WC Monitor first reported earlier this month that DOE was investigating allegations of a hostile work environment at the AMWTP, which is managed by Idaho Treatment Group, LLC. The allegations were tied to concerns over faulty respirators used in protective gear for AMWTP workers. According to the investigation report, an AMWTP employee “chastised” another in response to a voiced health concern. The report also says that an AMWTP employee “improperly resumed” work requiring Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) after an employee “initiated a step back regarding MSA PAPRs on Friday February 8, 2013.”

The DOE Idaho Operations Office did not return calls for comment late yesterday. For its part, ITG believes the complaint was an "isolated incident," contractor spokesman Rick Dale said in a written response late yesterday. "We take every employee concern seriously and remain committed to fostering a strong safety culture at ITG and listening to employee concerns," Dale said, adding that "we have resumed full operation in areas where Powered Air Purified Respirators are used."

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