RICHLAND — A new report by the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board criticizes the safety culture at a $12.2 billion project at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation.
Contractor Bechtel National is building a vitrification plant that will convert highly radioactive waste into glass-like logs for permanent disposal underground.
The board’s investigation found that the U.S. Department of Energy and Bechtel reinforce a safety culture that deters timely reporting and resolution of safety concerns.
The board began investigating management attitudes and policies toward safety after a former engineering manager alleged he lost his position because he raised concerns.
Bechtel spokeswoman Suzanne Heaston says the company is committed to a strong safety culture and has enhanced its communication of expectations for safety and training.
An Energy Department spokeswoman says the agency will review the recommendations.
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