Do Nuclear Workers Dare?

Deck: 

Whistleblowing case has ramifications for an entire industry.

Fortnightly Magazine - May 2010
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Should whistleblower-protection provisions of the federal Energy Reorganization Act protect an employee of a small firm that has a staff augmentation contract with a regulated nuclear energy technology company? The battle of the briefs has been blazing in a federal case set to answer that question.

The case involves a supplier of control-room instrumentation for Florida Power & Light Co. (FPL) and Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD). A negative outcome could unravel safety conscious work environment (SCWE) programs currently protecting employees and contractors in nuclear facilities nationwide. The legal fallout may have implications for utilities, vendors and others. A review of the case suggests ways that nuclear utilities can guard against unwelcome litigation.

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