The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a Preliminary Notice of Violation (PNOV) to UChicago Argonne, LLC for breaches in worker safety and health requirements. The DOE's enforcement program is designed to ensure contractors adhere to regulatory standards and maintain a safe workplace.
The cited violations are linked to an incident on August 13, 2015, where a machinist nearly had a finger amputated while operating a horizontal band saw at the Argonne National Laboratory. The PNOV lists three Severity Level I violations and one Severity Level II violation under 10 C.F.R. Part 851, Worker Safety and Health Program. UChicago Argonne was cited for shortcomings in management responsibilities, hazard identification and assessment, hazard prevention and abatement, as well as training and information.
The DOE proposes a civil penalty of $140,000 due to the seriousness of the violations but acknowledges the prompt implementation of corrective actions by UChicago Argonne to prevent future incidents.
Section 234C of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 empowers the DOE to enforce regulations under 10 C.F.R. Part 851 against contractors who violate worker safety and health requirements. The enforcement program aims to encourage early identification and correction of deficiencies in worker safety and health programs before they lead to severe incidents.
UChicago Argonne manages and operates the Argonne National Laboratory located in Lemont, IL.
Further details on this PNOV and other enforcement actions can be found on the DOE website at: /ea/services/enforcement.
