Enhancing Resilience by Introducing a Human Performance Program

In nuclear industry, human performance programs (HPPs) are commonly used to provide practical solutions for addressing human and organisational issues at nuclear facilities. Human performance programs are implemented by formalizing a selection of working practices called human performance tools (HPTs). In this paper we discuss the insights from our case studies carried out in Nordic nuclear power plants and the input received from human performance experts around the world, and reflect the relation of HPPs to system resilience. Based on the results of our studies we argue that HPPs have the potential to enhance resilience through various mechanisms. These are i.a. improving organisational learning and monitoring, enhancing staff's understanding of the sociotechnical system of a nuclear power plant, developing practices that help managing the unexpected or providing means of training. The HPPs may, however, also have the potential to be detrimental to resilience. If improperly implemented, HPPs may lead to rigidity and "robotic" ways of performing work, which can even cause safety deteoriration. Therefore, an implementatation process that properly considers the role of HPTs in everyday work and is developed in participation with shop-floor staff is crucial for a successful human performance program.