A Proactive Approach to Enhancing Safety Culture

Abstract

Within high impact failure organisations [nuclear, petrochemicals, aerospace] the need to create an appropriate safety culture is paramount. Whilst on the outside it may seem that production is the key - making more electricity, drilling more wells and flying more miles - the underlying truth is that a safe organisation is a productive and profitable one and that the cultural values which underpin safety also support commercial success.

And it should be remembered that culture is not wholly self-sustaining; it takes time and effort to sustain a culture, and as outlined in this paper, those at the top of an organisation have a pivotal role to play.

This paper explains the importance of safety culture to British Energy and provides the drivers for continued improvement in safety culture - a safe organisation as a productive and profitable one.

The paper outlines the elements of the British Energy safety culture enhancement programme, in line with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) definition and model for safety culture reported in Safety Series Report No. 75-INSAG-4. It also draws on INSAG-15 and the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO)/Institute of Nuclear Power Operators (INPO) Principles for a Strong Nuclear Safety Culture, together with lessons learnt from a number of safety significant events such as Chernobyl and Challenger.