DOE Proposes $150,000 Fine Against Bechtel

The Energy Department has proposed a $150,000 fine against Bechtel National last week for two construction incidents in Washington at the vitrification plant on the Hanford nuclear reservation.

One worker lost two toes when a rail landed on his foot. Heavy equipment was improperly rigged in the other incident last year at the waste treatment plant under construction.

Bechtel told the Tri-City Herald it has modified training, work processes and supervision to prevent similar events from recurring. It has 30 days to contest the fine.