I can't speak for anywhere besides the US, but as someone who has worked at a nuclear power plant for 10 years, the amount of regulations and oversight is extensive (the NRC, INPO, WANO, etc). There is so much continual training, required qualifications, sharing of operating experience between plants all over the world, benchmarking, constant modifications to plant equipment...I could go on for a while but it's just to reiterate that things aren't half-assed the way the general public worries.
Yes, mistakes are made, but we are only human and the processes and procedures in place are there to catch them. Just making minor updates to documentation can be a ten-step process! Commercial nuclear power for sure has its issues, I won't deny that. I've never felt unsafe at my job and I've worked in some crazy/intense environments. I would have no fear living right next to the plant I work at. I don't know if this is reassuring at all but just wanted to share the perspective of someone in the industry.
I can't speak for anywhere besides the US, but as someone who has worked at a nuclear power plant for 10 years, the amount of regulations and oversight is extensive (the NRC, INPO, WANO, etc). There is so much continual training, required qualifications, sharing of operating experience between plants all over the world, benchmarking, constant modifications to plant equipment...I could go on for a while but it's just to reiterate that things aren't half-assed the way the general public worries.
Yes, mistakes are made, but we are only human and the processes and procedures in place are there to catch them. Just making minor updates to documentation can be a ten-step process! Commercial nuclear power for sure has its issues, I won't deny that. I've never felt unsafe at my job and I've worked in some crazy/intense environments. I would have no fear living right next to the plant I work at. I don't know if this is reassuring at all but just wanted to share the perspective of someone in the industry.