Citation

Weber M. Health Phys. 2012; 102(4): 463-467.

Affiliation

Deputy Executive Director for Materials, Waste, Research, State, Tribal, and Compliance Programs, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Mail Stop 016E15, Washington, DC 20555-0001.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Health Physics Society, Publisher Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/HP.0b013e318247344d

PMID

22378209

Abstract

Radiation safety and protection of people are shared goals of the Health Physics Society (HPS) and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). A positive safety culture contributes to achieving radiation safety and protection of people, which are important to both the HPS and the NRC. Through unprecedented collaboration and engagement with diverse stakeholders, the NRC and the stakeholders developed a Safety Culture Policy Statement. The policy statement defines safety culture and describes the traits of a positive safety culture. Consideration of both safety and security issues and the interface of safety and security are underlying principles that support the policy. Examination of significant events, both within the nuclear industry and in society at large, illustrates how weaknesses in these traits can contribute to the occurrence and consequences of safety incidents, including serious injury and loss of life. With the policy statement in place, the NRC is moving forward with outreach and education about safety culture. Health physicists and other radiation safety specialists play an essential role in enhancing safety culture.

Language: en