Safety Regulation in the Sociotechnical World – Comparison between Finnish nuclear industry and Norwegian Petroleum industry

Sociotechnical thinking has penetrated into the risk and safety studies. Similarly new safety paradigm, where safety is understood as an emerging phenomenon and outcome of various structures, processes and activities, has... [ view full abstract ]

Sociotechnical thinking has penetrated into the risk and safety studies. Similarly new safety paradigm, where safety is understood as an emerging phenomenon and outcome of various structures, processes and activities, has become a relevant reference point in safety considerations. The objective of this study is to provide insights into the safety regulation in the high risk industries and the way sociotechnical aspects and the new safety paradigm have been introduced into regulatory regimes. The cases are Finnish nuclear industry and Norwegian petroleum industry. Both industrial branches face similar challenges, such as ageing of infrastructure, decommissioning, complex projects with long supply chains as well as increasing automation and related safety and security concerns. In addition, the low oil price and electricity price have created challenges and stalled investments which may also have implications on safety. Both industrial branches have adopted the principle of continuous improvement of safety. Yet, there are differences in the way safety is approached and regulation implemented. The data consist of interviews with inspectors from the Norwegian Petroleum Safety Authority and the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority from Finland, documents, such as safety requirements and reports. Method of analysis is content analysis. Conceptual frame consists of governance and regulation theories and sociotechnical systems. The study shows differences in the safety regulation as regards understanding of safety, risk, and inclusiveness vs. exclusiveness of stakeholder involvement in safety issues, and institutional arrangements as regards safety. Comparison between the regimes provide material for reflecting upon their practices in terms of sociotechnical aspects and hence, reference points for learning.