The KBR Report/KBR Not At Fault
I don’t normally republish editorials, but when KBR actually responds to them in a US District Court jurisdiction where they have a pending lawsuit like the electrocution death of SSG Ryan Maseth, I feel I must publish them for the pure entertainment of my readers. Please note that KBR’s Bill Bodie didn’t respond this time!! It was just Heather Browne, the sacrificial communications director!
First we have the original editorial from the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review in response to the DoD IG Reports on the electrocutions in Iraq.
The KBR report
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Criminal prosecution should follow the Department of Defense inspector general’s new report on a Shaler Green Beret’s electrocution in a Baghdad shower.
The report on the Jan. 2, 2008, death of Staff Sgt. Ryan Maseth says Texas-based contractor KBR didn’t properly ground or inspect a water pump and tanks that KBR installed.
Shamefully, KBR has long denied it did that installation. And its claim that the military never directed it to improve the grounding system suggests KBR reprehensibly puts its own welfare before that of U.S. troops.
The new report has to encourage Sgt. Maseth’s parents, whose federal lawsuit against KBR is on hold while KBR appeals denial of its dismissal request. They’re also awaiting an official ruling from the Army’s Criminal Investigative Division, which last year reclassified Maseth’s death from accidental to negligent homicide and blamed KBR.
This nation’s sacred duty to all who wear its uniform includes deterring contractors from potentially fatal shoddiness. That duty demands action beyond the existing civil and military cases to ensure justice and accountability commensurate with the breach of trust inherent in Maseth’s death.
A criminal prosecution must follow the evidence wherever it leads. And if criminal culpability is found, prosecutors must seek outcomes more severe than the wrist-slap fines and promises to do better that contractors routinely shrug off. (click HERE for the original editorial)
Now for KBR’s bull shit response!!
KBR not at fault
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
The editorial “The KBR report” (July 30 and TribLIVE.com) is inaccurate and misleading. Contrary to the editorial’s assertions, the report is not focused solely on KBR.
It is apparent that the author of the editorial did not fully read the Department of Defense inspector general’s report, which alleges possible missteps across several government entities.
The editorial alleges that the pump involved in the electrocution of Shaler Green Beret Ryan Maseth was installed by KBR in June 2006. KBR disagrees.
But the real issue here is that it was not the pump that caused the incident. The incident was caused by the building’s lack of grounding and bonding, which the IG confirmed.
According to the IG, correcting these grounding problems “would have required rewiring the entire building; work which was outside the scope of (KBR’s contract).”
The IG acknowledged that KBR did notify the military of the lack of grounding in Staff Sgt. Maseth’s building prior to Maseth’s death. Under its contract in Iraq, which specifically outlines that KBR shall perform its work consistent with instructions from its customer, KBR was not directed to repair this deficiency until after Maseth’s death.
While the death of Sgt. Maseth is tragic, KBR continues to assert that it is not responsible for the incident.
KBR is proud of the work it performs in Iraq and we remain committed to a transparent, fact-based dialogue on this issue.
Heather L. Browne
Houston, Texas
The writer is director of corporate communications for KBR Inc. (click HERE for original editorial)
Heather my question is for you. Strategically I can see where you might have been forced to make this bogus statement. But I must ask…..”Do you have a soul? Or have you sold it to KBR for a Director position? I’m sure it will serve you well in HELL!”
Just so you all know. I have read ALL the reports.
Ms Sparky
Monday, August 10th 2009 at 3:11 am |
Here is a reader response to the OpEd:
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/opinion/s_637299.html
No delegating responsibility
Monday, August 10, 2009
In response to the letter “KBR not at fault” (Aug. 4 and TribLIVE.com) by Heather L. Browne, director of corporate communications for KBR Inc.: Hogwash. She states that the pump involved in the electrocution of Staff Sgt. Ryan Maseth of Shaler was not installed by KBR. If so, why does she not state who allegedly installed the pump?
Heather, allow me to enlighten you just a little. Allow me to introduce you to an old military axiom: “You can delegate authority, but you can’t delegate responsibility.” What dimwit installs a high-voltage water pump without properly grounding it, whether the building is grounded or not?
Being a military veteran, I can assure you that the Army teaches its people to ground all things electrical. If the Army failed at that, it is complicit. But face the facts: KBR is at the “Root” of the problem — no pun intended. Well, maybe!
Robert R. Taylor
Clarksburg
(Heather has also stated in another case: Heather Browne, director of communications at KBR, says that while the company can’t speak to the facts since the case is ongoing, it denies any liability in the attack. And she argues that any dispute with Jones, even one involving charges of rape, must go to arbitration.)
Hmmmmm, sounds like KBR doesn’t want to face a judge and jury, you have to wonder what lengths they will go to in order to avoid accountability?
Monday, August 10th 2009 at 8:31 am |
KBR inspected the building and brough the fault up to the military, they say this themselves. I have been a HSE worker with several companies but not here with these as they would not allow me to apply after I showed tehm I was serious about it. ANY PRSON has the right AND responsibility to remove any safety violation when witnessed until it has been corrected. Fault through negligence is just as deadly as fault through incompetence and those who saw the fault and reported it without pulling the plug should feel ashamed of themselves and know the death of a brave man are on their heads. KBR policy states that safety is a VALUE, not a priority that changes but a VALUE that is set in stone and does not alter for any reason, unless laziness and lack of trade knowledge are involved.
Sue the workers whose names are on the TI forms and watch them turn on KBR in seconds and then we will see who really is at fault and who told who to hide what was found.
Monday, August 10th 2009 at 1:18 pm |
Amen, list everyone in a criminal or civil lawsuit associated with the CID report from and a few others. Everyone mentioned will have pay to have an Attorney represent them. That will break a few a hard earned savings accounts.
Price is what you pay Value is what you get.