2 - Applying human factors in the nuclear industry—people as a presence of positive capacity for improving safety

Abstract

Application of human factors (HF) into nuclear safety management is required already for a while. However, the conception of HF is often misunderstood as individual- and error-based actions, separated from its context and applied narrowly countering the original purpose of HF. Safety paradigm has shifted focus from risks to resources, but it can be questioned if the practical HF applications have been efficient for realizing the philosophy. This chapter gives a theoretical view of HF and practical tools for applying HF in nuclear power, by using HF Tool with a holistic, solution-based and participative view, aligning current safety thinking. HF application at strategic, tactical, and operative level of the organization is opened. The core intention is to give an overview of HF as a theoretical and practical way to give new perspective to nuclear safety management, by empowering people as a positive resource for improving safety.