This record-breaking accomplishment means Savannah River Site construction workers have been free of serious industrial illness and injury since 1998. By comparison, based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average construction firm would have experienced 241 lost-time injuries during the same time period.
"This phenomenal achievement has not only set a Bechtel U.S. record, but also a new industry standard," said Tom Hash, President, Bechtel Systems & Infrastructure, Inc. "Our employees at BSRI have made a first-class accomplishment in a hazardous industry where 1 million safe hours is considered outstanding."
After BSRI reached 18 million safe hours in May 2006, the achievement was cited by DOE as a first.
"I can think of no other construction organization that has logged 18-million-plus exposure hours without a 'days-away' illness or injury," said DOE Secretary Samuel W. Bodman in a congratulatory letter to BSRI President Michael Graham. "Overall DOE has an outstanding record in this regard, but when it comes to construction safety your absence of days-away cases sets an enviable example," Bodman added. "This is especially true because of the unusual hazardous work posed at DOE nuclear sites in addition to the normal risks of construction activities," the secretary concluded.
In an announcement to employees, BSRI Manager of Construction Ben Young said, "This accomplishment shows that you are professionals, dedicated to accident prevention and committed to looking out for each other."
Bechtel Savannah River, Inc. (BSRI) supports Washington Savannah River Company in the management and operation of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) 310-square-mile Savannah River Site (SRS) near Aiken, South Carolina. BSRI is responsible for soil and groundwater closure projects, project management, and design and construction services.
For more information, contact:
Mike Kidder
1-240-379-3261
[email protected]
Naomi Wong
1-240-379-3672
[email protected]
