Workers Sue Fluor Over Exposure to Fumes

Eleven workers exposed to hazardous fumes in a 1997 explosion at a nuclear weapons complex near Richland, Wash., have sued Fluor Corp., alleging the company lied about the accident and deliberately prevented them from learning whether they had been exposed to deadly plutonium.

The workers also contend in their federal lawsuit, filed Friday in Spokane, Wash., that they failed to receive basic medical care after the explosion at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation, which is operated by the Aliso Viejo-based company, and were harassed when they complained.

They also contend they were subjected to break-ins at home and other vandalism after their protests.

On Monday, Fluor said in a press release that it was surprised by the lawsuit. The company said it has offered “many avenues of assistance, cooperation and communication to workers” since 1997, including fully paid medical examinations, second- and third-opinion referrals, and pledges of full cooperation with any of the employees’ representatives.

According to Fluor, the incident didn’t involve any plutonium or other radioactive materials and was extensively investigated.