At CNE Cernavoda, the Human Performance Improvement Program is implemented, human performance being represented by the behavior that the staff exhibits to achieve the objectives (results).
Human error is an action that involuntarily/unintentionally deviates from standard expectations. Considering the fact that errors occur, being specific to humans, excellence in human performance represents a continuous challenge in operating the plant without incidents by addressing the organizational aspects that contribute to human errors and by strengthening barriers/protection measures, the performance of each person and the organization. Error-free performance is conditioned by the elimination of errors when personnel touch the plant’s systems/equipment/components and the integrity of barriers/control measures related to latent conditions.
The human performance improvement program is based on 5 fundamental principles:
- People are subject to mistakes and even the best can make mistakes;
- The situations in which mistakes can be made are predictable, controllable and preventable;
- Organizational processes and values influence individual behavior;
- People reach higher levels of performance based on encouragement and guidance;
- Understanding the causes that led to the occurrence of errors and applying the lessons to be learned can prevent the recurrence of errors.
EXPECTATIONS, VALUES AND FUNDAMENTALS OF THE PROGRAM
Achieving excellence in the development of Human Performance (PU) is conditioned by the continuous reduction of human errors that generate events until they are excluded and the consolidation of the Nuclear Security culture.
These objectives are pursued through the systematic identification and approach of vulnerabilities to errors and events of the organization. Vulnerabilities are identified and addressed through a careful examination of the following:
- current results from Central;
- the processes and values that support these results;
- conditions in the Central that establish the physical and mental work environment in which human performance is manifested;
- individual behaviors of workers who perform activities in order to achieve organizational objectives.
Management and coordination personnel play an important role in defining expectations, shaping behavior and keeping the organization accountable and at high levels of human performance. Management’s expectations in improving behavior are realized through a process of effective communication, supervision and appropriate benchmarking, at the level of the highest standards in the industry.
The following EXPECTATIONS, VALUES and FUNDAMENTALS describe the desired behaviors:
Individual behavior:
• Correct communication and sharing of experience;
• Anticipating situations where mistakes can be made;
• Confirming the integrity of the barriers;
• Increasing personal responsibility.
Behaviors of supervisors/leaders:
• Promotes open (sincere) communication;
• Promotes teamwork to eliminate situations that can lead to errors;
• Search for and eliminate organizational weaknesses that create conditions for errors;
• Communicates and appreciates the desired behavior at the workplace;
• They have as a priority the prevention of errors.
Behaviors of managers:
• Encourages a culture of avoiding events;
• Acts to prevent or reduce the risk and consequences of errors;
• Prevents the development of situations that can produce errors;
• Creates a training environment that promotes the permanent improvement of knowledge and skills.