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Subtle retaliation for Hanford nuclear workers who speak out on safety?

Workers who expressed concerns were most worried about subtle retaliation,

DOE: Safety culture at Hanford needs improvement – BusinessWeek The Associated Press October 7, 2010,   By NICHOLAS K. GERANIOS Most workers believe the safety culture at the U.S. Department of Energy’s most expensive and most complex nuclear waste treatment plant is strong, but some worry they will face retaliation for raising concerns, according to a report this week.

The Energy Department surveyed workers at the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant, which is under construction on the Hanford nuclear reservation near Richland, Wash., to learn if they feel comfortable pointing out safety concerns to superiors………

The safety culture came into question when Walter Tamosaitis, former research manager for the plant, was released from the project without warning in July after he said he raised 50 safety concerns Bechtel National officials. Tamosaitis was employed by Bechtel National subcontractor URS.

As a result, the Energy Department’s Office of Health, Safety and Security surveyed workers in August and September.

Workers who expressed concerns were most worried about subtle retaliation, such as not getting selected for new assignments as their current tasks ended, the report said.

Some people, including senior staff and managers, said the Tamosaitis situation contributed to a chilling effect that may reduce their willingness to raise technical and safety issues, the review said….

DOE: Safety culture at Hanford needs improvement – BusinessWeek

October 8, 2010 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | general | antinuclear, nuclear, nuclear secrecy, nuclear wastes, radiation