Knowledge and risk perception among nuclear power plant employees

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Risk Perception Studies
• Nuclear Safety Research

Background:

• Understanding employee knowledge and attitudes is crucial for nuclear power plant safety.
• Assessing risk perception among diverse professional groups within nuclear facilities is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate knowledge, risk perception, and attitudes of nuclear power plant employees regarding radiation and job safety.
• To explore factors influencing risk perception, including knowledge level, anxiety, and job satisfaction.

Main Methods:

• Survey administered to 236 employees across 10 professional groups at two Swedish nuclear power plants.
• Analysis of risk perception in relation to knowledge about radiation, general anxiety, job satisfaction, and definitions of risk.

Main Results:

• Job-related radiation risks were perceived as average compared to other risks.
• Employees generally satisfied with safety measures, with exceptions for temporary external contractors.
• Lower knowledge about radiation correlated with higher perceived risks; anxiety levels did not.
• Job satisfaction linked more strongly to conventional job risks than nuclear risks.
• Risk ratings were influenced by how individuals defined 'risk,' particularly the emphasis on consequences.

Conclusions:

• Employee risk perception is significantly influenced by their knowledge base and definition of risk.
• Targeted knowledge enhancement could potentially mitigate exaggerated risk perceptions among nuclear power plant workers.
• Addressing specific concerns of temporary workers and differentiating between nuclear and conventional risk perceptions are important for improving overall safety and satisfaction.