NRC PROPOSES $36,400 PENALTY FOR CB&I SAFETY CULTURE VIOLATION

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has proposed a civil penalty of $36,400 against CB&I for a violation related to action a Shaw subsidiary took against an employee who raised a safety concern. The NRC noted two violations in a release posted Friday. In May 2011 a Shaw Nuclear Services quality assurance supervisor was fired after notifying Shaw and Louisiana Energy Services of potentially faulty rebar shipped to to LES’ enrichment facility. Additionally, the NRC cited a “chilled work environment” at the former Shaw Modular Solutions facility in Lake Charles, La. “The NRC takes seriously the ability of employees to raise safety concerns without fear of retaliation, and employee protection from discrimination,” Glenn M. Tracy, director of the Office of New Reactors, said in a letter to Shaw, which acknowledged that CB&I is implementing management changes.  The NRC release adds, “Because Shaw did not identify the violations or take corrective action once the NRC identified them, the NRC doubled the normal civil penalties, for a total fine of $36,400.”

CB&I completed its takeover of Shaw in February, which includes Shaw AREVA MOX Services’ work on the Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility. The company plans to continue safety culture efforts. “We take these matters very seriously,” CB&I spokeswoman Gentry Brann said in a written response. “CB&I will take immediate action to create and promote a healthy safety culture, where all employees feel open to identify issues and express concerns. Our uncompromising focus is on safety, quality and an open work environment. It is not only CB&I’s policy, but our practice.”