BWXT reports smoldering material in Erwin, Jonesborough injury

An employee extinguished a smoldering material at the Nuclear Fuel Services facility in Erwin on Tuesday morning, while a separate industrial accident injured a worker at a BWX Technologies site in Jonesborough, according to company officials. John Dobken, senior manager of media and public relations at BWX Technologies, said the first incident occurred when an employee discovered smoldering materials inside a closed waste receptacle. "This morning at Nuclear Fuel Services, an employee discovered smoldering cleaning materials after opening a closed waste receptacle," Dobken said. "The employee, who is trained in fire safety, promptly used a fire extinguisher to douse the material." Dobken said no injuries were reported and no additional action was required, though local emergency responders were notified as a precaution. Later Tuesday, a separate incident occurred at the BWXT Jonesborough facility on Old State Route 34. "Today at the BWXT Jonesborough site, an employee was conducting an operation with a metal bar when an industrial accident occurred, resulting in the piece of metal striking the individual and causing him to fall," Dobken said. "He was taken to Johnson City Medical Center where he is currently receiving care." "At BWXT, the safety of our employees is our top priority, and we are keeping him and his family in our thoughts as they focus on recovery," Dobken said. Dobken said both incidents are under internal review. "Site personnel are currently reviewing these incidents, and corrective actions will be developed to prevent any recurrence," he said. BWX Technologies Inc. is a Lynchburg, Virginia-based manufacturing and engineering company that specializes in nuclear solutions for commercial clients and the National Nuclear Security Administration. Nuclear Fuel Services is a subsidiary of BWXT. The company operates multiple facilities in the region, including Erwin, Jonesborough and Oak Ridge. BWXT $199.93 $-0.47 (0.23)% from NYSE as of Feb. 17.