To All BJC and BJC Subcontractor Employees: On July 30, 2004, I sent a message to all of you regarding safety and directing that we all ask seven specific questions regularly and consistently, especially prior to starting work. I also stated in the message that I appreciate your commitment to safety and want you to know that there is absolutely nothing I consider more important on this entire project than your personal safety.

The recent newspaper articles and the two letters we received from DOE this week could lead someone to believe that safety is not being taken seriously. However, I want you to know that it highlights even more the necessity that we conduct all of our work with the utmost rigor and discipline to avoid personal injury and impacts to the environment. We do not like getting letters like this, but we clearly understand DOE’s expectations regarding our responsibilities when it comes to safety and material control. Unsafe work behaviors simply cannot be tolerated.

I recommitted to DOE last week that we will adhere to the principle of zero injuries and accidents. To date, we have completed some of the investigations and reviews of these events. The Type B report is now out on the strontium-90 release and we are incorporating it into our corrective actions. The corrective actions for the material releases during shipments from Paducah are being finalized and some are already implemented. The investigation into the worker contaminations is being finalized. In addition, I have commissioned an in-depth review of our work processes and controls using Integrated Safety Management as our guide. We will assess how we are doing across the board on the work controls, including work planning, hazard analysis, hazard mitigation, quality assurance, training and following procedures.

While this is being completed, there is a lot of work that will be performed every day. We will improve our work processes and controls where needed. However, the most important ingredient in the safety and material control recipe is still people! Therefore, it is absolutely essential that each of us continue our dedication to: asking the key questions prior to starting a work activity; stopping when there is a change or an unknown condition; and asking for help prior to proceeding.

I will keep you informed as we proceed and appreciate your personal commitment to safety and protection of the environment.

Mike Hughes

Safety Message from the President - July 30th 2004