A nonprofit watchdog group is praising the Department of Energy for steps it has taken to protect Hanford workers from exposure to chemical vapors.

Tom Carpenter, executive director of Seattle-based Hanford Challenge, said the protective measures were implemented after an October meeting where people said working at Hanford caused illnesses. Many also said their medical claims were not being handled in a timely manner.

Since that meeting, Carpenter said, numerous initiatives have been put in place to better protect Hanford workers.

He cited an approach called ALARA -- As Low As Reasonably Achievable -- as one of the most significant steps toward better safety at Hanford. In the past, he said, Hanford workers were allowed to be exposed to chemical vapors up to a certain level. Once that level was exceeded, the workers would be removed from the area, he said.

The ALARA approach eliminates the suitable threshold and instead focuses on reducing exposure as much as possible.

"You really can't say exposure at a certain level is OK or not," Carpenter said. "It's better to just assume that this stuff is dangerous and hazardous, and you need to minimize people's exposure to it."

Hanford Challenge also praised DOE's hiring of a certified industrial hygienist who is taking steps to address safety and health concerns; DOE's support of the Hanford Concerns Council, which works to evaluate implementation of the industrial hygiene program; DOE's launching of a Health and Safety Community Forum that will allow workers to address issues surrounding chemical vapors; and DOE's work to improve medical and compensation systems for ill workers.

"I think they're moving the program appropriately into the 21st century," Carpenter said, adding that the "compliance mentality of the 1950s" is being replaced by a more proactive approach to mitigating health and safety issues.

"It's a really positive sign from our prospective because we know we have another 50 years of cleanup out there," he said.

Carpenter also praised DOE Office of River Protection Manager Shirley Olinger, who he said was a driving force behind the safety initiatives. "She took this seriously, she took this to heart," he said.