Learning from Fukushima: Institutional isomorphism as contributing and constraining nuclear safety

Marja Ylönen

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference article in proceedingsScientificpeer-review

    Abstract

    This paper is an analysis of the international institutional isomorphic pressures and lessons learned from the Fukushima accident. The recent upgrading of nuclear safety requirements at the international and national level, as well as harmonisation attempts of nuclear reactor safety by the Western European Nuclear Regulators’ Association (WENRA), show serious efforts to improve nuclear safety and implement lessons learned from the Fukushima accident. After Fukushima new requirements for the new nuclear power plants were set, such as preparedness for natural hazards, multiple failure and core melt situations. In addition, improvement of safety culture was emphasised, as well as strengthening of independence of the regulatory body from external pressures, and increasing of independence between different levels of defence in depth safety. However, learning from accidents is often affected by institutional factors, which may both contribute and hamper safety and learning.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationHuman and Organizational Aspects of Assuring Nuclear Safety
    Subtitle of host publicationExploring 30 years of Safety Culture
    PublisherInternational Atomic Energy Agency IAEA
    Pages152-153
    ISBN (Print)978-92-0-103918-7
    Publication statusPublished - 2016
    MoE publication typeA4 Article in a conference publication
    EventInternational Conference on Human and Organizational Aspects of Assuring Nuclear Safety: Exploring 30 Years of Safety Culture - Vienna, Austria
    Duration: 22 Feb 201626 Feb 2016

    Publication series

    SeriesIAEA Proceedings
    NumberSTI/PUB/1810
    ISSN0074-1884

    Conference

    ConferenceInternational Conference on Human and Organizational Aspects of Assuring Nuclear Safety
    Country/TerritoryAustria
    CityVienna
    Period22/02/1626/02/16

    Keywords

    • nuclear power plants
    • Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station
    • reactor sites
    • safety
    • standards

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