Summary: The Department of Energy (DOE) is involved in various activities that could expose workers to radiation and toxic chemicals. In 1992 alone, 15 DOE workers died during on-the-job mishaps. During the past decade, GAO has repeatedly called for improvements in DOE's safety and health oversight. Although recent DOE initiatives aimed at improving safety and health programs are an important step, the agency needs to develop a clear safety policy--one that clearly spells out what is expected of contractors and their workers--if its efforts are to succeed. Such a policy, along with specific goals and performance measures, could help DOE improve its safety culture and performance. In addition, GAO continues to believe that DOE's Office of Environment, Safety, and Health needs adequate authority, independence, and resources to perform vigorous independent internal oversight. Finally, a detailed plan could help to ensure a smooth, successful transition to oversight by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
