Organizational Effectiveness – Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant Radiation Protection

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 In addition, we were informed about concerns related to outdated instrumentation and equipment, inadequate supplies, the briefing room environment, and budget and staffing constraints.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.