AIKEN, S.C. (AP) — Officials say a Savannah River Site worker contaminated with plutonium after his finger was punctured in an accident last year will fully recover.
The Augusta Chronicle reported (https://bit.ly/nb9TAO) Wednesday that officials reached that conclusion after monitoring the employee since the June 14, 2010, accident.
Officials say the employee was sorting radioactive waste when he improperly inserted a survey flag into a can of radioactive waste, puncturing six layers of protective clothing and his index finger.
A follow-up investigation by the Department of Energy last year identified four violations of radiation protection and nuclear safety regulations in occupational dose limits, written procedures and work processes, training and qualification, and quality assurance.
Savannah River Nuclear Solutions was later ordered to pay more than $240,000 in fines.