A decision to rebaseline the project arose out of the workshop. It is anticipated that the baseline will be delivered to DOE within the next few weeks. Under the proposed modification, the project organization will be simplified and responsibilities for portions of the work realigned. What is of concern is that beryllium can, under some circumstances, cause serious illness in some people. DOE is seeking to identify current and former workers at its facilities who may have been exposed to beryllium and is offering medical surveillance and testing at no cost to the workers.
Compensation is available to affected workers.
The DOE Former Beryllium Workers Health Surveillance Program was established in 1991. Retesting and medical surveillance of 275 individuals with beryllium sensitization are being conducted. One hundred thirty cases of chronic beryllium disease were also identified during this period. The test will be provided without charge, and arrangements will be made to make the procedure as convenient as possible either at the Lab for Long Island employees, or at other locations more convenient for those no longer living on Long Island. Processes that could produce airborne beryllium are being performed off site by specialized subcontractors with engineering controls for beryllium work.