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Organizational Effectiveness – Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant Radiation Protection

Report Information

Date Issued
Report Number
2021-17252
Report Type
Inspection / Evaluation
Description
The Office of the Inspector General conducted a review of the Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant Radiation Protection (BFN RP) organization to identify factors that could impact BFN RP’s organizational effectiveness. During the course of our evaluation, we identified behavioral and operational factors that are negatively impacting BFN RP’s effectiveness and its ability to meet its responsibilities and support Nuclear’s vision and core principles. Most employees expressed having positive relationships with individuals in their own groups, and many indicated they trusted their coworkers to perform their jobs well. However, multiple negative behavioral factors were also expressed, including:• Concerns regarding interactions between BFN RP groups.• Concerns regarding management interactions.• Perceptions of (1) unethical and (2) noninclusive behaviors by certain managers.• Perceptions that BFN RP personnel cannot stop work and plant operations are placed before radiation safety.In addition, we were informed about concerns related to outdated instrumentation and equipment, inadequate supplies, the briefing room environment, and budget and staffing constraints. We also identified a risk related to the oversight and monitoring of the nuclear safety culture within BFN RP that could impact BFN as a whole.
Joint Report
Yes
Participating OIG
Tennessee Valley Authority OIG
Agency Wide
Yes (agency-wide)
Questioned Costs
$0
Funds for Better Use
$0
View report on Oversight.gov

Recommendations

We recommend the Chief Nuclear Officer evaluate the process for overseeing the nuclear safety culture to identify and correct gaps in oversight.

We recommend the Senior Manager, Radiation Protection, in conjunction with the Plant Manager, Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant, periodically monitor the culture of Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant Radiation Protection and address any issues negatively affecting the safety culture.

We recommend the Senior Manager, Radiation Protection, in conjunction with the Plant Manager, Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant, address the perceptions related to the ethical culture and noninclusive behaviors.

We recommend the Senior Manager, Radiation Protection, in conjunction with the Plant Manager, Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant, address the issues identified in this report related to interactions between employees and management.

We recommend the Senior Manager, Radiation Protection, in conjunction with the Plant Manager, Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant, assess resource concerns and address as necessary.