COVERT, Mich. – A worker at the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant in Covert, on Michigan’s west side, fell into the reactor cavity this week and had to undergo decontamination after being pulled from the water, according to federal regulators.
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission reported the incident occurred at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 21, when the employee accidentally fell into the plant’s water-filled reactor cavity.
The report also stated the worker ingested some of the water during the fall.
Radiation protection workers quickly responded, removing the worker from the water and beginning decontamination immediately.
Despite the prompt action, radiation was detected in the employee’s hair.
The federal report noted that the worker left the plant around 4:30 p.m. to seek medical care following the incident.
We will update you when we learn more.
“While performing work inside the containment building, a Palisades contractor fell into a pool of water located above the reactor.
The contractor was wearing all required personal protective equipment, including a life vest, which is standard when working near the pool without a barrier in place.
The worker was promptly assisted from the water, evaluated, monitored, and decontaminated for removable contamination in accordance with established industry standards and safety procedures.
Radiological assessments are ongoing and are expected to confirm exposure well below regulatory and administrative dose limits.
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission was properly notified, and a review of human performance factors contributing to the incident is underway.
The worker sustained minor injuries from their fall and has since returned to work.”
Holtec Palisades