How Safe Is Iraq For A Contractor?

how many people were employed by iraq contractor kbr

• Answer:

  Iraq Contractor KBR Employed Underqualified Workers WASHINGTON — KBR Inc. used employees with little electrical expertise to supervise subcontractors in Iraq and hired foreigners who couldn't speak English, former KBR electricians told a Senate panel investigating electrocutions of 13 Americans. Experienced electricians who raised concerns about shoddy work and its possible hazards were often dismissed and told, "This is a war zone," the electricians said Friday. "Time and again we heard, `This is not the states, OSHA doesn't apply here. If you don't like it you can go home,'" said Debbie Crawford, a journeyman electrician with 30 years experience. Crawford and Jefferey Bliss, also a former KBR electrician, testified in the 17th hearing held by the Democratic Policy Committee, which has been examining waste, fraud and abuse in Iraq and the performance of the country's war contractors. Both Democrats and Republicans attended the hearing. The Pentagon has said 13 Americans have been electrocuted in Iraq since September 2003. It has ordered Houston-based KBR to inspect all the facilities it maintains in Iraq for electrical hazards. But Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., who chaired the panel, questioned whether KBR could police its own work. And Sen. Robert Casey, D-Pa., said, "I am angered that the department (of defense) appears to lack the urgency and outrage that all of us in this room share today." In an e-mailed statement, KBR said its investigation so far has not turned up evidence of a link between its work and the electrocutions. "We continue to conduct technical inspections on all facilities serviced by KBR throughout Iraq to ensure safe and proper operations for those we serve," spokeswoman Heather Browne said in the statement. Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/07/11/iraq-contractor-kbr-emplo_n_112249.html