|
Nuclear Power as a Sociotechnical Work System
I view Nuclear Safety Culture as a dynamic work system that creates and reinforces High-Performance through the integration of Technological Risk Management, Culture Management, and Real Time Organizational Learning System. At its simplest form, it is the combining of Safe Worker Behavior and Safe Work Processes. At its pinnacle it is a synergistic relationship between Management, Labor, and the Public promoting Safety as "Shared Experience."
High-Performance in the nuclear industry essentially refers to the ability to manage Safety, Reliability, and Cost-Competitiveness. Safety in the nuclear power industry is widely defined to include conventional worker safety, minimizing radiological exposure, protecting the public, and reducing operational risks and uncertainty. Reliability refers to the industry's ability to operate and maintain plant systems in the manner they were designed and intended, as measured by capacity factor, system availability, and maintenance backlogs. Cost-Effectiveness results from the active management of costs while maintaining safety and reliability, which places emphasis on doing things right rather than cutting corners.
What Makes This View Different
Although Safety Culture, Safety Conscious Work Environment, or Workforce Alignment are catch phrases for high performance, achieving it requires a positive labor-management relationship that fosters trust and commitment. The key component to high-performance in the nuclear power industry is an emphasis on Human Resource Management and Organizational Development.
A Transformational Strategy
Provide Leadership and Vision
Use Safety as a Shared Experience
Establish and Maintain Operating Principles and Management Expectations Required to achieve High-Performance.
Actively Manage Culture through these Principles and Expectations
Reduce Conflict in the Line Organization
Focus on the Work System Rather than the Individual
Engage All Plant Workers in the Problem Identification and Corrective Action Programs
Commit to a Real-Time Organizational Learning System
Reward and Reinforce Positive Behavior
|
|
