Shaw Group

[Rennhack]

Talk about this company here.  Don't forget to vote.

[Mike McFarlin]

Worked for them at Fitzpatrick, good group of people to work for.

[ironcross]

I have to say The Shaw Group is by far the worst contractor I have worked for in recent years. I completely understand the complexity of tackling a nuclear contract in the states after what happened in Japan, but the severity of upper management completely going off the proverbial deep end is beyond belief here at Vogtle.
If and when Shaw losses this contract due to the poor management shown to Southern Company, not many workers will return due to the poor reputation that Shaw has exhorted. I am one who will travel somewhere else to find a better job than to be treated like ......quote from upper management" one of the inmates" and yes this came from a superintendent. This is the mentality of upper management on the job.

[Ksheed]

I have to say The Shaw Group is by far the worst contractor I have worked for in recent years.

If you don't mind me asking, what is your craft/position?

[Rennhack]

If you don't mind me asking, what is your craft/position?

Very Good question.

I worked for them twice as an ALARA Coordinator, and once as a Safety Engineer, and I had no problems with them at all.  I suspect your position with them (craft, Rad Tech, management, etc) has a great deal to do with your experience.

[ironcross]

If you don't mind me asking, what is your craft/position?

As far as my craft goes, its not a wise idea to divulge too much information due to the Shaw guestapo walking around here , who would love to walk someone to the gate for any and all violations to their company policies.
Shaw is pretty much like any other company who hires way too many "white hats" and not enough actual workers. I understand there has to be some red tape and procedures for a Nuclear job, but this is ridiculously stupid.
Im sure within the week the workforce will be reduced down to a skeleton crew and most of the good people who were here will be unemployed. Does Shaw care one iota? Of course not! Just numbers to them,
In the future when a large job arises and shaw is awarded the contract, not so many people will return and if they do I feel certain Shaw will have hired a disgruntled former employee and how much production will Shaw see from that person?

[OldHP]

As far as my craft goes, its not a wise idea to divulge too much information due to the Shaw guestapo walking around here , who would love to walk someone to the gate for any and all violations to their company policies.
Shaw is pretty much like any other company who hires way too many "white hats" and not enough actual workers.

Sounds like a a troller who has too much time at work to me.   

[Ksheed]

Sounds like a a troller who has too much time at work to me.   

That may be, but it seems to be a trend for that company. Craft workers are unhappy, upper level have no complaints. I have never worked for them, so I do not have any experience to form my own opinion.

[ironcross]

Sounds like a a troller who has too much time at work to me.  

And you must be one of those a@@holes with a white hat, Hope that post helped you further your ego trip

[Marlin]

 

 
4. Please learn to be respectful, tolerate and support each other.  NukeWorker.com's goal is to help others, not see how many people we can annoy. Do not initiate arguments or tension. This will only cause the triggering of other members and make this site less professional.

[tolstoy]

My two bits that may or may not apply:

I find that in almost every case a guy or gal who comes to work fifteen minutes early, does whatever job is asked of them, and stays out of the gossip/whine/complaint loop will do just fine. I trade seventy-two hours a week for a paycheck. You can own my for seventy-two hours. I'm not there to change the site or complain about the techs. I don't care how far I have to walk in every morning. I assume that wearing safety shoes and saftey glasses come with the trade. 

I see a whole lot of people who come to work and expect an hour to change, gossip, drink coffee and have breakfast. Three in and three out to them means a six hour work day. And if you wait long enough -  about five minutes - they'll tell you that these guys and this plant are idiots because this is how we did it at this plant!

[ironcross]

I come into work least an hour early and I do my job diligently.I keep out of all of the gossip and I do whatever is asked of me, call me a troll .....call me anything you want. 
Like I said in the other post, more than 20% of the workforce has been laidoff this week, and today was no different. This post is about Shaw Group and not me personally. There must be major problems in the front office or in engineering, places I don't get to see. As far as that goes, I haven't noticed a huge change in their parking lot , but in the "craft" parking, its dwindled down to almost nothing. I have a feeling Shaw has screwed the pooch on this job.

[mike78756]

The layoffs the past week are not Shaw's fault if the layoffs are related to nuclear island.. Blame that one on WEC. I was an Engineer with Shaw on the MOX Project and I am now with 3&4 Ops.  Each project has its challenges. One thing I do know is that Shaw employee morale is not very ideal, however, I do believe this project will be successful though. Just my 2 cents..

[macgator]

I find it hard to believe that ironcross has not heard about the issues with the concrete and rebar. Once those issues are resolved with the NRC, the labor count will increase again. This is not residential construction. Shaw is a good company to work for and will be successful there.

[ironcross]

Macgator,
I guess you didn't read my post very well. As I said, I understand the complexity of the task at hand here at Vogtle. There is a major problem in engineering.........Didn't the rebar  get approval before being installed? or were changes made in engineering before NRC approved them?
I guess that's an Ironworkers fault. The soil underneath #3 is giving way.........who screwed the pooch on that one? Guess it was an operator who didn't compact the soil enough.
I would bet my life you are one of the guys in the front office, who is better and smarter than everyone on the job, .........look again Macgator......your job is turning to crap ..........

[HeavyD]

One thing I found interesting is the statement "... when Shaw loses this contract...:. 

Shaw isn't going to "lose" this contract.  They, along with Westinghouse, Southern and SCANA, make up the consortium that is constructing these new units, both at Vogtle and for us.  We are all legally bound to each other for these projects, come hell or high water.  Yes, there are stipulations that could result in parting of ways, but those scenarios are far, far worse than the current setting.

I cannot speak personally for Shaw at Vogtle.  The Shaw group at the other construction site has been very professional.  There has been no visible downturn in personnel.  Work moves forward, overcoming the many obstacles associated with undertaking the first new nuclear construction projects in over 30 years.  This is NOT building a house or a bridge or a downtown office building.  The Nuclear industry has a slow, methodical, procedure driven way of doing business.  There is no alternative.

As for the rebar issue, that is something that is being worked through with Westinghouse, Shaw and the NRC.

Typically, when folks come here and bad mouth a facility or a contractor, there is more to the story than what is actually presented.  If the whole story was shown, we wouldn't be able to shine   Ironcross may be 100% spot on on every account.  I personally doubt that, but that is my personal opinion based on observing human behavior.  (PSYCH 101 ) 

[macgator]

ironcross,
Peace my brother, I don't work at Vogtle but I understand mistakes and miscommunications with regulators have occurred. It is also true that the workers in the field are the first to feel the pain when costs need to be controlled. I understand your anger and that you are sticking up for your brothers and sisters out there. I just wanted you to understand that when you trash Shaw, you are demeaning the thousands of us around the world who are doing our best to make them successful. I am confident that the situation will be resolved and that they will ramp up employment again, as we all want our friends and family to have a job. Good Luck and work safe!

[Ksheed]

  Shaw isn't going to "lose" this contract.  They, along with Westinghouse, Southern and SCANA, make up the consortium that is constructing these new units, both at Vogtle and for us. We are all legally bound to each other for these projects, come hell or high water.

Love them or hate them, everyone in the industry should be hoping for Shaw to be successful on both of the new build projects. Huge delays, mistakes, and cost overruns would cripple the "Nuclear Renaissance." There is only one group of people wishing for that. Good luck Shaw workers.

[ironcross]

I don't wish Shaw to loose this contract, or for more of my friends to loose their jobs, but this is reality on this job. Someone screwed up, hopefully not bad enough to shut the job down, but that's what its looking like. We can all turn our heads and look the other way, but when the day ends......sorry fellas ......bad job........... period! And you say " please don't trash Shaw" What in the world are you talking about? Who else is to blame? I can tell you for sure it isn't the workers in the field who are to blame! but you bet your ass they are they are the first to loose their jobs! Not the "white hats" Even though they are the ones who screwed up!
Im sure Bechtel isn't onsite for nothing, and from what I hear , having a job fair in Augusta, hummmmm, wonder where that's going?
So say what you want about Shaw, all I know is there has been layoffs every week for more than a month here. I keep hearing of work starting back in #3 but as of yet..........nada !
And do they layoff the engineers that screwed up? No......lets give them a raise and more responsibility. Ha ha.....wow!..........Shaw!!!!! ha ha ha ha

[thirstymick]

Shaw was my first job in the industry and I feel like I was treated very well.  There is always typical changes in the plan or little things that do not pan out but over all I enjoyed my time with Shaw.  I will say this about them...I was given 40 hrs PTO and from day one and they never missed a check.  I was on a small project so I can't speak for everyone. 

[ironcross]

I received some plans today for a job change. Wouldn't you know that the engineer who drew up the plans, drew them backwards. I mean , come on man! What college did you go to? Did you even think about looking at what you were drawing?
Im sorry fellas but this has been my point all along, the people in the office don't belong running this job at all. Their heads are so swollen and the egos are as big as the job itself.
I would suggest to Shaw , fire all the engineers.....and start over!.......

[ArthurRyan]

Most of the Engineers are just given the title "Engineer".  Very few of them have actual degrees or our certified licensed engineers.  A lot of politics and "good ole boy," networking landing them in their positions.  But, that's everywhere not just Shaw!

[HeavyD]

Well, everyone that I have come in contact with at our facility who has the title of "Engineer" has a degree in one of the engineering disciplines.

Not saying that the "good ole boy club" doesn't exist.  I simply despise the broad ranged, sweeping and all inclusive statements that basically amount to "I perceive this at my location, therefore it happens EVERYWHERE ELSE.".

Just my 2 cents.

[tolstoy]

Most of the Engineers are just given the title "Engineer".  Very few of them have actual degrees or our certified licensed engineers.  A lot of politics and "good ole boy," networking landing them in their positions.  But, that's everywhere not just Shaw!

I don't believe this for real engineers. There are plenty of ALARA engineers, scheduling engineers, etc., but we all know that those are titles - not to take away from the skills needed. But the NRC isn't going to let someone who has just stepped into the position because he knows the sister of the hiring manager's cousin. When you're calculating stress loads for 24" piping you have to have the qualifications to do the math.

[retired nuke]

When I want real engineering - I find a PE (that's a real, licensed engineer). If they are busy (and they frequently are) I go to an EIT (has the degree, but not the time - again - an official title) and run it by them. A competent EIT will let you know if a PE needs to vet it. When an engineer signs a design, it meets code, or they can be prosecuted for negligence.

Our site doesn't call non- degreed personnel engineers - they are specialists (as I am) that may have field time and experience, but cannot sign off on design changes.

I have tons of respect for engineers - they are wicked smart, and the really good ones can explain stuff to the layman. Help goes both ways - if an engineer needs help with Rad stuff, I try my best to deliver. Then when I need help with engineer stuff, they remember who helped, and who had an attitude...

[HydroDave63]

speaking of engineering...


Part 21 Event Number: 47923
Rep Org: SHAW GROUP INC.
Licensee: GERDAU LONG STEEL NORTH AMERICA
Region: 1
City: CHARLOTTE State: NC
County:
License #:
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: EDWARD HUBNER
HQ OPS Officer: PETE SNYDER  Notification Date: 05/14/2012
Notification Time: 14:46 [ET]
Event Date: 05/14/2012
Event Time: [EDT]
Last Update Date: 05/14/2012 
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
21.21(d)(3)(i) - DEFECTS AND NONCOMPLIANCE
 Person (Organization):
SCOTT FREEMAN (R2DO)
PART 21 REACTORS GRP (EMAI)
 

Event Text

THREADING DEVIATIONS ON STEEL REINFORCING BAR SUPPLIED TO CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

This report was supplied for informational purposes. The threaded ends of some of the reinforcing bar supplied to the V.C. Summer Units 2 and 3 and the Vogtle Units 3 and 4 nuclear projects were found to have threads too long or too short, double threaded areas, voids in threads, or an incorrect thread profile.

"The results of evaluations of this condition as documented by Shaw Nuclear and conducted in accordance with the procedure for performing evaluations required by 10 CFR 21.21, have concluded that the deviations in the rebar would not create a substantial safety hazard, if they were to remain uncorrected. Therefore, it has been determined that these deviations are not reportable under the requirements of 10 CFR Part 21. This information is being provided for industry awareness of the occurrence of these types of deviations in reinforcing steel being provided as a basic component."

[cheme09]

Who else is to blame? I can tell you for sure it isn't the workers in the field who are to blame! but you bet your ass they are they are the first to loose their jobs! Not the "white hats" Even though they are the ones who screwed up!

Your logic is a little skewed here.  The craft/trades are at the end of the line, in terms of project implementation.  Generally, a project is planned, scoped, designed, then built (read: crafts).  If during the building phase, a mistake is found and needs to be fixed, work needs to be stopped and you have to move back up the chain to assess the design and re-analyse.  In that case, no company is going to keep paying craft to be onsite when there is no work to be done; it's bad economics.  The major work becomes the re-analysis, not the construction so resources are re-allocated accordingly.  Macgator hit the nail on the head.  When the company is ready to move forward again you can expect employment to go back up. 

I don't work for Shaw, nor am I involved with the Vogtle project.  I am just sharing my experience of how projects work.

[RP Instructor]

http://nuclearstreet.com/nuclear_power_industry_news/b/nuclear_power_news/archive/2012/05/11/southern-co-faces-delays-additional-costs-for-vogtle-plant-construction-051105.aspx

I am willing to bet, that Southern Company will opt to "cut-their-losses" as soon as possible, fire The Shaw Group (yes, it'll go to court), and hire a replacement contractor (Bechtel) to complete the project. SCANA is no doubt monitoring the situation at Vogtle 3 & 4 quite carefully, and has put their Legal Department on alert to be prepared to cancel their construction contract with The Shaw Group.

In light of Fukushima, once people read about the "quality of construction" issues at Voglte 3 & 4 (and we know how the press just loves to condemn nuclear power), they'll be torch-burning mobs descending on the site. Especially when the customers of Georgia Power are told they may have to pick-up-the-tab for the project cost overrruns incurred to correct the flaws in construction.

[RP Instructor]

http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/aiken/2012-05-16/nrc-mulls-first-vogtle-license-amendment-request

Won't be long now before the "anti-nuke" protesters descend upon Vogtle. The entire "sales pitch" for the AP1000 was that it's an NRC pre-approved and licensed design. So what's the very first roadblock Southern Company encounters at Vogtle Unit 3? Shoddy work necessitating a license amendment request to the NRC. I hope Southern Company sues the crap out of The Shaw Group for the shoddy work, the necessary repairs, and all costs associated with the license amendment request.

[HeavyD]

The issue discussed is not necessarily due to "shoddy" work.  Settling of the engineered soil was expected, but not to the degree actually seen.  Determination as to the actual "why" is ongoing, with work by both Shaw and Westinghouse.

The rebar issue is another matter entirely, brought about mostly by WEC with some input from Shaw.  This is based on daily contact with said information at the other new construction site.

As to ditching Shaw, the legalities of that action are not worth the effort.  The "consortium" is made up of Shaw, WEC, Southern Nuclear and SCE&G.  Yes, there are page after page of legalese about performance and schedules and repercussions for missed dates and problems caused by the "customer" (Vogtle and VC Summer) and the "suppliers" (Shaw and WEC).  Financially, removing Shaw is not a viable option.

We (Vogtle and VC Summer) continue working alongside Shaw and WEC, moving forward and making what progress can be made.

[ArthurRyan]

Would the individuals or company responsible for the initial geotechnical survey be at fault? 

[RP Instructor]

http://chronicle.augusta.com/latest-news/2012-05-17/nrc-inspectors-find-3-minor-violations-mox-plant?v=1337272442

Hmm....another Shaw Group project under NRC scrutiny, and just across the Savannah River from Vogtle. As a SCANA shareholder, I would have these "issues" brought up at the shareholders' meeting and ask that the board of directors address them. Perhaps that's why Santee Cooper has put their 45% share of VC Summer Units 2 & 3 up for sale; they were skeptical of The Shaw Groups' ability to manage the project.  In either case, as I stated earlier, The Shaw Group has only given the "anti-nuke" protesters more to feed upon.

[Ksheed]

In case any of my fellow nukeworkers were unaware; The Shaw Group is now staffing at Wolf Creek. In what capacity, is somewhat undecided at this point. It does not sound like they will be the sole suppliers for craft workers, but they will have a large portion of it. There are many rumors which I will refrain from sharing.
http://www.4-traders.com/THE-SHAW-GROUP-INC-5529548/news/The-Shaw-Group-Inc-Shaw-Wins-Multiple-Year-Nuclear-Maintenance-Contract-with-Wolf-Creek-14331712/

[ironcross]

Hey heavy d, 
you sure that psych 101 you took wasn't a book on how to build your ego to the sky?

It sure does seem as though Shaw is going down hill. Both here and across the river.......... This place is a joke .......period!

[HeavyD]

I'm not even sure what that statement is supposed to mean or reference.

I can't, and don't attempt to, speak for the Shaw situation at Vogtle.  I also don't work for Shaw.  I work for the "other" new construction facility. 

There have been no cutbacks of Shaw workers here, nor have there been boneheaded moves or anything else that ironcross has described at this facility.

Continuing a debate when one side has already decided that nothing will change their mind is pointless.  The feel I am getting is that "Shaw sucks, they will never be any better, everyone else is a Shaw fanboy".  This attitude will never lead to anything productive.

Both projects MUST succeed, either because of or in spite of Shaw and WEC's involvement.  These two builds are vital to new growth for OUR industry.  And no, this isn't about ego or kissing up to Shaw.  As a sailor in the Navy, every single one of us played a role in a larger entity that made everything run smoothly.  Again, we (everyone on these forums) find ourselves in that same position, playing our part in something bigger that will have a far reaching effect for the nation's nuclear industry.

Best of luck to our brothers and sisters over at Vogtle, the world is watching us
 

[HydroDave63]

Best of luck to our brothers and sisters over at Vogtle, the world is watching us

And so is the NRC...

http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/news/2012/12-038.ii.pdf

[HydroDave63]

Part 21 Event Number: 47981
Rep Org: SHAW NUCLEAR SERVICES
Licensee: JOSEPH OAT CORPORATION
Region: 1
City: CHARLOTTE State: NC
County:
License #:
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: DAVID BARRY
HQ OPS Officer: JOHN KNOKE  Notification Date: 05/31/2012
Notification Time: 16:17 [ET]
Event Date: 05/31/2012
Event Time: [EDT]
Last Update Date: 05/31/2012 
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
21.21(d)(3)(i) - DEFECTS AND NONCOMPLIANCE
 Person (Organization):
STEVEN VIAS (R2DO)
PART 21 GROUP ()
 

Event Text

PART 21 - DUCTILITY OF REINFORCING STEEL FOR EMBEDMENTS NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH CODE REQUIREMENT

"The reporting organization provided information pertaining to the identification of a noncompliance associated with the steel reinforcing material (rebar) attached to embedments being supplied as basic components for the Vogtle Units 3 and 4, nuclear project, based on reinforcing bar that exceeded the limit for yield strength.

"The results of the evaluation of this condition as documented by Shaw Nuclear and conducted in accordance with the procedure for performing evaluations required by 10 CFR 21.21, has concluded that the noncompliance could potentially create a substantial safety hazard, if it were to remain uncorrected. Therefore, it has been determined that this noncompliance is reportable under the requirements of 10 CFR Part 21."

[RP Instructor]

PART 21 - DUCTILITY OF REINFORCING STEEL FOR EMBEDMENTS NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH CODE REQUIREMENT 

I imagine that the lawyers for "The Shaw Group", "Southern Company" and the "Joseph Oat Company" have already gathered in their respective conference rooms so as to begin fashioning a lawsuit as to who is going to "pick-up-the-tab" for the removal and replacement of the sub-standard rebar, and re-pouring of the concrete.

Heads-should-roll for this debacle.

[HydroDave63]

PART 21 - DUCTILITY OF REINFORCING STEEL FOR EMBEDMENTS NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH CODE REQUIREMENT 

I imagine that the lawyers for "The Shaw Group", "Southern Company" and the "Joseph Oat Company" have already gathered in their respective conference rooms so as to begin fashioning a lawsuit as to who is going to "pick-up-the-tab" for the removal and replacement of the sub-standard rebar, and re-pouring of the concrete.
Heads-should-roll for this debacle.

I think I found the concrete molds for the repour....

[HeavyD]

Haven't heard anything definitive yet, but I am speculating that this may have been discovered while bending rebar.  This would be necessary to correct the previous issue with rebar being installed in a manner not consistent with the NRC approved DCD.

Anyway you look at it, major issue, for both them and potentially us as well

[RP Instructor]

I love the concrete molds!

There's no doubt that the "anti-nukes" will feed upon the errors in construction that The Shaw Group h made at both Vogtle and the MOX Facility at SRS. I'm surprised they haven't amassed their torch-burning mob already.

I love this article! Evidently EEI hadn't heard of the ongoing construction issues  at Vogtle Units '3' & '4'  prior to granting Southern Company this award.

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/southern-company-receives-eei-edison-award-for-leading-nuclear-renaissance-2012-06-04

[Pearlhurl]

After reading these points I would like to make a few points already discussed... the mox project also had problems with rebarb (cheap poor grade).There was a management change 2 + yrs ago for the worst the cost sky rocketed and construction mgnt turned into a good ol'buddy fuster cluck! The electrical Sup.(mother FLE) brought in "construction field engineers"! right out of book 2 of the LU IBEW which consisted of his fellow band of FLE followings. FLE' are a subversive organization within the IBEW that lookout for each other,milk jobs to death and F@@k Local Electricians holding the bag! The Mox Project just got cut $17million for y2013... a token amount in fed money but a warning. Shaw Group needs to wake up and send some professional fixers to both projects and clean up their project managers incompency or pay for all the over buget and state penilties for not finishing on time.

[RP Instructor]

Sadly, it appears that the MOX Project will be another waste of taxpayers' (OUR) money. As it stands now, Watts Barr would be the only reactor using the fuel. Once the contract option with Duke Energy/Catawba expired, Duke Energy opted not to renew.

[macgator]

I want to assure RP Instructor that his tax dollars are being well spent paying the working men and women of the CSRA. I don't understand why a Duke employee would harbor such a grudge against Shaw unless it had something to do with losing the MOX project contract when it was run by Duke Cogema Stone and Webster? The MOX project will safely turn weapons into fuel thereby reducing the nuclear stockpile and providing clean energy. You obviously have no idea regarding fuel purchase agreements so I would ask that you concentrate on keeping your RP department qualified while the professionals at MOX and Vogtle work to safely complete their projects.

[RP Instructor]

I want to assure RP Instructor that his tax dollars are being well spent paying the working men and women of the CSRA. I don't understand why a Duke employee would harbor such a grudge against Shaw unless it had something to do with losing the MOX project contract when it was run by Duke Cogema Stone and Webster? The MOX project will safely turn weapons into fuel thereby reducing the nuclear stockpile and providing clean energy. You obviously have no idea regarding fuel purchase agreements so I would ask that you concentrate on keeping your RP department qualified while the professionals at MOX and Vogtle work to safely complete their projects.

Ah...spoken like a true politician! True, OUR federal tax dollars are being used to pay citizens living in the Central Savannah River Area, but WHAT have we gotten in return? The MOX Facility is WELL BEHIND schedule for completion, and true, I'm not privy to fuel purchase agreements, however, to the best of my knowledge, Duke Energy let their contract expire, and no other nuclear utility has been "lined-up" to use the MOX Fuel other than TVA, and that was communicated by the DOE. It is NOT I questioning the quality of the work being done at the MOX Facility and Vogtle 3 & 4; it's the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and it has become a matter of public record. Southern Company has requested revision to their Combined Operating License, due to the sub-standard rebar used in the concrete "nuclear island", that did not meet Westinghouses' specifications, which is now subject to additional  engineering analyses. As an RP Specialist, I have witnessed individuals who were not qualified to do the job (RADCON support) that they were doing,  and thus as an instructor counsel my students to be absolutely certain that they are trained and qualified to the task they're about to perform, and that they are confident in their ability to do the job properly and safely, BEFORE they do it, and if the task requires a continuous use procedure, to it "in hand". "Integrity is how you act/behave when no one is watching".