In the realm of nuclear energy, worker precision is crucial, with errors carrying potentially severe consequences to the health and safety of the public. Human Performance concepts step in as a methodology to prevent mishaps and avert disasters. For nuclear workers, Human Performance is not just a part of their job; it is a set of mindful habits to uphold and implement to reduce errors and prevent events.

Dr. James Reason, the foremost scientist in the study of human errors and how to prevent them, provides profound insights into human factors. His underlying truths are that human beings are susceptible to making errors. With his Swiss Cheese model, he demonstrates that as barriers in a process fail or degrade over time, the likelihood of an error or event increases. Each layer of defense, like a slice of Swiss cheese, has holes, and when these holes align, they create a pathway for failure.

At nuclear power stations when barriers have failed and the holes align, management and staff perform evaluations on events related to human errors. Some incidents result from individuals not adhering to best practices, necessitating performance management, while others stem from failed barriers. These analyses dive into the exact reasons something did not go right, seeking root causes and actions to eliminate these causes and bolster the barriers, just like the Swiss Cheese model. While many incidents are inconsequential, relying on luck in the nuclear industry is a gamble we cannot afford. From mistakenly turning off the fuel supply to an emergency diesel or opening the wrong heat exchanger during maintenance, to the innocuous act of removing filters from an active filter train, each event serves as a poignant reminder of the high stakes involved. These may seem like minor blips, but the potential consequences loom large. Had the equipment or conditions been different, the outcome could have been catastrophic.

For low-consequence events, a series of short-term actions typically communicates the issue, the risk, and the consequences, and updates work order instructions to ensure others do not repeat the same mistake. For more consequential errors, sites look for human-factored solutions, such as an engineering change. As an extent of condition, this would also look at similar technologies or instruments to see if they too need to be human-factored. The depth of investigation is related to the consequence or potential risk to the health and safety of the public.

Nuclear plant operators train on Human Performance tools through human performance labs and participate in experiential learning opportunities to ensure they are well-prepared.

Key Human Performance Tools used in the Nuclear Industry include:

1. Self-checking:

Before any task, individuals employ the STAR approach – Stop, Think, Act, Review – ensuring a methodical approach that enhances human capabilities.

2. Peer Checking:

In significant error-prone situations, individuals undergo peer checking to verify actions using STAR principles, fostering a culture of optimal performance.

3. Job Site Evaluations/Review:

Thorough evaluations assess risks and ensure optimal conditions, including verifying components, understanding actions, and identifying hazards, thereby supporting professional development and precision.

4. Procedure Use and Adherence:

Meticulously crafted procedures incorporate HU tools to mitigate risks and refine safety protocols based on past incidents, continuously updated with the latest information.

For those interested in delving deeper into Human Performance concepts, abundant resources are available. Institutions like the International Atomic Energy Agency and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission provide invaluable insights. The National Institutes of Health and National Transportation Safety Board also teach and use these concepts to improve safety and performance. Organizations like Practicing Perfection Inc. offer certification programs to equip professionals with safety skills, facilitating their journey toward peak performance.

Moreover, parallels can be drawn between human performance in nuclear safety and other fields such as athletic training, the health industry, and transportation. The nuclear industry partners, at times with these sectors by using case studies and teaching integrated structured methodologies used to ensure cultures that prioritize excellence and error prevention. This cross-industry partnership ensures that human performance students and professionals gain a clear understanding of these principles, optimizing human capabilities for safety and success, whether in sports or high-stakes industries.

Human Performance is about more than preventing errors; it is about creating a culture of continuous improvement and unwavering commitment to mindful excellence. Through professional development and a deep understanding of human factors, we can achieve optimal performance, safeguard our industries, and protect our future.