IAEA Safety Culture Perception

Questionnaire for License Holders

Working document

May 2017

1
Contents
1. About the IAEA Safety Culture Perception Questionnaire ................................................................... 3
1.1 Background ......................................................................................................................................... 3
1.2 The IAEA Safety Culture Framework ................................................................................................... 4
2. How to Implement the SCPQ-LH ............................................................................................................... 6
2.1 Communication with Participants....................................................................................................... 6
2.2 Questionnaire Procedures .................................................................................................................. 8
2.3 Response Rates ................................................................................................................................. 10
2.4 Example of Survey Progress Checklist............................................................................................... 11
Appendix A – Sample Recruitment Email ................................................................................................... 12
Appendix B – Sample Recruitment Flyer .................................................................................................... 13
Appendix C – Sample Participation Email ................................................................................................... 14
Appendix D – Sample Participation Handout.............................................................................................. 15
Appendix E – IAEA Safety Culture Perception Questionnaire – Version 13................................................ 16
Appendix F – Behavioural Items – Optional Supplement to IAEA SCPQ-LH* ............................................. 24
Appendix G – IAEA SCPQ-LH Advisory Group ............................................................................................. 26

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 1. About the IAEA Safety Culture Perception Questionnaire

1.1 Background

The International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) General

Safety Requirements on Leadership and Management for BOX 1: The IAEA methodology
Safety, GSR Part 2, require that regular independent of assessing safety culture consists
assessments and self-assessments of safety culture and of five simultaneous and
leadership for safety are commissioned by senior independent methods of collecting
management. data: interviews, observations,
focus groups, document reviews
The IAEA Safety Culture Perception Questionnaire for and the perception questionnaire.
License Holders (SCPQ-LH) is one of five data collection The initial analysis of each of the
methods used by the IAEA to conduct safety culture resulting data sets is conducted
assessments. The questionnaire has been developed by an independently to limit the
international group of experts with expertise in safety culture influence of results from one
nuclear safety and questionnaire development, chaired by Dr process to another. This
Mark Fleming, St Mary’s University, Canada. See Appendix methodology increases the
G for the list of names in the expert group. objectivity and breadth of
information obtained about a
In accordance with the IAEA Safety Standards1 and the IAEA nuclear facility’s safety culture.
safety culture self-assessment methodology [SEE BOX 1]. Once all five data sets have been
the SCPQ-LH is not intended to be applied as the single analysed and cultural expressions
source of information when conducting an assessment. The have been extracted, themes have
information collected through the survey needs to be been identified, the data across the
considered in combination with the findings of several data methods is summarized by the
collection methods such as the interviews, observations, focus safety culture assessment team to
groups and document reviews (see Box 1). determine overall cultural image
of the organization and compare
Member State organizations are welcomed to request IAEA this to the IAEA safety culture
framework1.
support in implementing the SCPQ-LH, including electronic
distribution of the questionnaire electronically and analysis of results can be organized by the
IAEA. To request this support please contact the IAEA Operational Safety Section (OSS) via
Operational-Safety.Contact-Point@iaea.org. Any organization using the IAEA SCPQ-LH is
asked to contact the IAEA prior to its application, using the same contact information as above.

1
For details on IAEA Safety Standard Guidance on assessment of safety culture, see sections 6.35-6.39 in
INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY, Application of the Management System for Facilities and
Activities, IAEA Safety Standards Series, Safety Guide No. GS-G-3.5, IAEA, Vienna (2009). For a full description
of the IAEA safety culture independent and self-assessment methodologies, see
INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY, OSART Independent Safety Culture Assessment (ISCA)
Guidelines, IAEA Services Series No. 32, IAEA, Vienna (2016) and INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY
AGENCY, Performing Safety Culture Self Assessments, IAEA Safety Report Series No. 83, IAEA, Vienna (2016).

3
The aim of the IAEA is to continuously improve the SCPQ-LH through analysing survey data.
Since the development of the IAEA SCPQ-LH is a work in progress, the current psychometric
properties (reliability and validity) have not been fully tested. Organizations receiving support
from the IAEA in implementing the questionnaire are also invited to take part in the further
scientific development of the questionnaire. Feedback on the questionnaire is generally sought in
order to facilitate the continuous improvement process.

The current version of the IAEA SCPQ-LH can be found in Appendix E of this working
document. A set of optional behavioural items that can be added to the SCPQ-LH is included in
Appendix F.

1.2 The IAEA Safety Culture Framework

The items in the SCPQ-LH were designed to assess the five IAEA safety culture characteristics
found in the IAEA’s safety culture framework2, which is summarized below:

Safety is a clearly recognized value:

Priority is given to safety in documentation, communication, decision making and in the
allocation of resources. Individuals are convinced that safety and production go hand in hand and
that safety conscious behaviour is socially accepted and supported.

Leadership for safety is clear:

Management is committed to safety (all levels of management). It includes management
involvement in safety and their leadership skills. Outcomes of leadership activities include trust
and openness.

Accountability for safety is clear:

This safety culture dimension refers to the extent to which accountability and responsibility for
safety are clearly defined and understood. It also includes the level of compliance with
regulations and procedures, and the extent to which all individuals accept responsibility and
‘ownership’ for safety.

Safety is integrated into all activities:

Safety is a part of all activities of the organization and consideration is given to how other factors
influence safety such as: trust, teamwork, motivation, stress, workload, working conditions, and
satisfaction. This is reflected in the quality of documentation, planning, implementation,
housekeeping and employee competencies.

2
For the full IAEA safety culture framework, see Section 2.36 in “INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY
AGENCY, Application of the Management System for Facilities and Activities, IAEA Safety Standards Series,
Safety Guide No. GS-G-3.1, IAEA, Vienna (2006)”.

4
Safety is learning driven:
The organization learns from operational experience and uses assessments (internal and external)
to improve safety procedures and behaviours. A questioning attitude is present across all
organizational levels and people are willing to report deviations and errors. Safety performance
is tracked and effective actions are taken to improve.

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2. How to Implement the SCPQ-LH

2.1 Communication with Participants

Before Distribution

In order to ensure the timely and voluntary participation of staff, it is useful to communicate
some general information regarding the questionnaire prior to distribution. In the weeks prior to
distribution (e.g.: two weeks before the distribution date), staff is to be informed of the purpose
of the questionnaire, who will be conducting it, the confidentiality agreement, and when and
where they may be able to participate. It is important to stress both the anonymous and
voluntary nature of the questionnaire, as coercion is not conducive to honest responses. A sample
participant recruitment flyer can be found in Appendices A & B. This recruitment flyer can be
used both in paper and email format.

Typically, nuclear organizations have established protocols when questionnaires such as the
SCPQ-LH are distributed to employees. These protocols may require input and permission for
distribution from various stakeholders such as the Senior Management Team, Internal
Communications Function, Information Technology Department and Line Managers. It is
therefore important for the survey administrators to assure that these stakeholders are sufficiently
informed and have provided necessary support, input and/or approvals of the process prior to
survey administration (see also Section 2.3 Response Rates).

During the Questionnaire Response Time

The communication efforts required to facilitate staff participation varies based on how the
questionnaire will be provided to staff members. The below information assumes that the
questionnaire is distributed through an online survey software. At most modern facilities, this is
an effective way of collecting and also analysing responses, since the data will be readily
inserted into a software. Most nuclear organizations have stringent firewall protocols that are
designed to protect their internal information technology assets and information. It is therefore
vital to test beforehand the compatibility of the online survey software with the information
technology firewall and protection measures. Nuclear organizations are typically also reluctant to
divulge their staff members’ email addresses to external parties. It may therefore be advisable to
seek the cooperation of the Nuclear Power Plant’s internal communication or ICT department to
administer the survey questionnaire internally to all staff.

If the questionnaire is distributed in person, a mechanism ensuring that participants can return
the questionnaires after completion while maintaining participant anonymity is needed. A
common method is to invite groups of employees to complete the questionnaire in a dedicated
location during their working hours.

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When Emailing the Questionnaire Link
When the employees being surveyed have email addresses and computer access through work on
a regular basis, the participation information can be sent directly, including a link to the
questionnaire itself. This email needs to restate that the questionnaire is anonymous and that
participation in the assessment is voluntary for the employee. In addition to providing a link to
the questionnaire, this email includes the contact information of the person(s) responsible for the
questionnaire, and the window during which the questionnaire will be active. The email provides
information about receiving the report containing the results of the questionnaire. A sample
email is provided as Appendix C.

When Providing Special Computer access

In the case of staff members who do not have a work email address and regular access to a
computer at work, it is important to provide a paper document with the contact information of
the researchers, as well as information regarding the anonymous and voluntary nature of the
study. The information letter normally also provides information about receiving the report
containing a summary of the results of the assessment of which the questionnaire forms a part of.
A sample information letter is provided as Appendix D.

After the Questionnaire is Completed

Once the questionnaire is completed by all interested staff members the data needs to be
analysed. The IAEA can organize support in analysing results upon request. The resulting report
will constitute one part of the information needed to perform a full safety culture assessment, as
the cultural themes coming out of the questionnaire need to be analysed together with the results
from the other methods. The overarching results are then presented to the organization as part of
the full assessment.

Participant Anonymity

As the SCPQ-LH has been designed as a means of assessing culture of the organization, it is not
in any way beneficial for the organization or researchers to be able to identify the responses of
any individual participant. It is specifically important to maintain participant anonymity in order
to promise participants that there will be no negative consequences that may arise from honest
responses.

In cases of facilities with few potential participants, or those in which certain positions are only
held by a small number of employees, certain questions will not be included in the questionnaire.
For example, it is possible that certain facilities employ a very small number of administrative
staff where it would be possible for management to identify individual participants and thus
remove anonymity by looking at the responses of participants who have identified
‘administrative’ as their position. In such cases, the questionnaire is not to include certain
demographic breakdowns (such as gender and years of employment, and position within the
organization). Regardless, this information would not provide any deeper insight on safety
culture perceptions of an organization as a whole.

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2.2 Questionnaire Procedures

Translation of the SCPQ-LH

If the working language of the facility is anything other than English, the SCPQ-LH needs to be
translated, and the translation also needs to be back-translated, to ensure that meaning has
remained the same3. Upon request, the IAEA may provide support in producing an accurate
translation. The IAEA may also be consulted to ask for the availability of the SCPQ-LH in other
languages than English.

Selecting Participants

The IAEA General Safety Requirements on Leadership and Management for Safety, GSR Part 2,
require that “Senior management shall ensure that self-assessment of leadership for safety and of
safety culture includes assessment at all organizational levels and for all functions in the
organization” (emphasis added). Therefore, the aim is that participants constitute a
representative sample of the facility as a whole. The goal would be to have each department
represented by an equivalent percentage of participants. However, this is impossible to ensure
with a voluntary sample. For this reason, it is best to either solicit participation from all staff
members, or to use a stratified sample. It is important to ensure that all departments and work
groups are represented in the final sample.

Larger facilities may choose to use a stratified sample in order to maintain a manageable number
of responses. This method of sampling is partially random, in that the individuals selected from
each department are selected randomly. A useful way to use this method of sampling is to first
establish a representative number of potential participants from each department (ex: 50% of
workers in each department). Next, this number of participants is selected at random from all
employees in that department. To do this, one may assign numbers to all employees in a
department, and then use a random number list or generator to select participants until the quota
for the department is met.

Planning Distribution of the Questionnaire

The first thing that needs to be determined is what type of access staff have to computers at
work. This may vary between departments and positions. For staff with regular computer access
at work, all that is needed is a flyer to be sent out via e-mail (example included in Appendix A)

3
Back-translation refers to a process where a document previously translated into another language is translated
back to the original language. This is done by a translator who has not previously been involved in the original
translation. The two versions of the document are compared, conveying any potential errors or misconceptions,
potentially owing to cultural differences that are hard to spot without going through this process. The back
translation process is therefore very important to ensure that the accuracy and scientific quality of the questionnaire
is kept.

8
prior to the questionnaire distribution in order for potential participants to decide if they are
interested in participating, as well as put forth any concerns they may have.

For staff without regular computer access, computer stations need to be set up at which
participants will be able to respond to the questionnaire. These stations need to be set up in a way
that will ensure that participants are given the privacy required to feel comfortable and guarantee
that their responses remain anonymous. Once it is known when these stations will be available
and where they will be located, a flyer is distributed to all potential participants (example
included in Appendix B). The flyer provides an introduction to the questionnaire and relevant
contact information to a person within the organization as well as to the assessor/researcher (if
these roles are not covered by the same person).

Distribution of the Questionnaire

When distributing the questionnaire among employees, it is important to ensure that all
participants will be provided the time, and method to access the questionnaire, as well as
assuring that all responses will remain anonymous. It is best to send the questionnaire directly to
participants who have regular computer access during work hours, as this is the easiest way for
them to complete the questionnaire at work, within the time allotted without disruptions to their
day.

For staff without regular computer access, the location and availability of computer stations is to
be made clear once again during the period in which the survey is active. Additionally, computer
stations need to be private to allow participants to take the survey without feeling as though
someone is judging their responses.

The survey is to be made available for a period of time that allows people to participate at a time
that best suits them, such as a two week window. The period needs to have a clear end date, in
order to encourage people to complete it in a timely manner.

Reminder

Half way through the survey period, it is encouraged to send out a reminder either verbally or
through email, reminding staff who have not participated, how much time is left in the survey
period, along with all the required information for accessing the survey.

Reporting Results

Once the survey period is complete, the data collected needs to be analysed. The results of the
need to be interpreted with the assistance of a qualified safety culture assessor. The raw data is
normally used to compile a summary report to be provided to the safety culture assessors
according to the assessment methodology. Once the safety culture assessment team have
prepared a report of their full findings, this report and the actions stemming from it needs to be

9
communicated to the entire organization4. A summary of the survey results may also be made
available to all staff who participated in the survey.

2.3 Response Rates

A sufficiently high response rate is crucial to delivering reliable data as a result of the survey.
However, response rates vary largely across organizations depending often upon cultural factors
(e.g. is responding to questionnaires an established practise in the organization’s culture?). In
many cases it is suggested to solicit participation from all staff members, in order to increase the
likelihood of having an adequate representation. Also, this reduces the perception of inequality
between staff members holding similar positions, in the case where only some staff members are
invited to participate.

A response rate over 70 percent can be considered as

BOX 2: Interpreting response
acceptable, responses rates below this percentage are to be
rates
interpreted with caution as less reliable data can be expected to
be produced. In particular, a systematic bias, producing errors  Under 30%  no real value
that are systematic in nature, will distort the results. An  Between 30-70 %  to be
example of systematic bias can be if responses are received
interpreted with caution
from only employees who are exceptionally motivated, this
 Above 70 %  Acceptable
could lead to the results of the survey to show up as far more
positive than what is actually the case in the organization.

Achieving a high response rate requires an active process. In addition to following the above
suggestions regarding communication with survey participants this may include allocating
dedicated work time to complete the survey, ensuring that senior management express support of
the survey completion, and/or ensuring that respondents are aware of benefits of sharing their
opinions. The latter relates to the clear communication of how results are acted upon, as response
rates are likely to be influenced by whether or not the organization is perceived to be using the
information collected through surveys to effectively improve.

4
See INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY, Performing Safety Culture Self Assessments, IAEA
Safety Report Series No. 83, IAEA, Vienna (2016) for further detail on reporting assessment results.

10
2.4 Example of Survey Progress Checklist
Activities Timing Responsible party

Step 1: Agree on questionnaire 2 months before

questions (additional items and distributing survey
demographics) and timeline

Step 2: Set up online survey 1 month before

distributing survey

Step 3: Selecting potential 1 month prior to

participants distributing survey

Step 4: Establish survey stations 3 weeks prior to

(if applicable) distributing survey

Step 5: Request participants 2 weeks prior to

distributing survey

Step 6: Collect responses Allow 2 weeks

Step 7: Analysing results of the 1 month after closing

survey the survey

Step 8: Provide summary results 6 weeks after closing

to safety culture assessors the survey

Step 9: Combine results from all 2 months after closing

safety culture assessment the survey
methods

Step 10: Provide feedback to 2 months after closing

Senior Management the survey

Step 11: Provide results of safety- 3 months after closing

culture assessment for all the survey
participating employees

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Appendix A – Sample Recruitment Email

Dear Staff member,

We would like to invite you to participate in a safety culture questionnaire that [name of the
organization] is conducting. This survey is a part of a larger safety culture assessment aimed at
improving safety performance within the utility and organization as a whole.

This questionnaire will be available online starting [start date] until [end date]. Time used for
participation will be considered part of regular work time. The link will be provided in a future email on
the first day the survey is active.

All responses you provide will remain anonymous.

If you have any questions, please contact either [contact person in support organization (when
applicable)] or [Contact point].

Thank you and we appreciate your time.

[Name of Contact] [Name of Contact Point]

[Position] [Position]
[Supporting Organization’s Name] [Organization name]
[Contact email] [Contact email]
[Phone number] [Phone number]

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Appendix B – Sample Recruitment Flyer

Dear Staff member,

We would like to invite you to participate in a safety culture questionnaire that [name of the
organization] is conducting. This survey is a part of a larger safety culture assessment aimed at
improving safety performance within the organization as a whole.

This survey will be available online starting [start date] until [end date]. Computers will be available at
[location of computers] between the hours of [start time] and [end time] to participate in the survey.
Time used for participation will be considered part of regular work time.

All responses you provide will remain anonymous.

If you have any questions regarding the survey, please contact [contact person] or [contact person in
support organization (when applicable)].

Thank you and we appreciate your time.

[Name of Contact] [Name of Contact Point]

[Position] [Position]
[Supporting Organization’s Name] [Organization name]
[Contact email] [Contact email]
[Phone number] [Phone number]

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Appendix C – Sample Participation Email

Dear Staff Member,

As per our previous email, we are now conducting an online safety culture survey.

This study involves completing an on-line survey, which takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. All
information obtained in this study will be kept strictly anonymous and confidential. The results of this
study will be presented as a summary and no individual participants will be identified.

We will be using the results of this survey to assess our safety culture. The results will be made available
[method of distribution to employees].

If you have any questions regarding the survey, please contact [contact person] or [contact person in
support organization (when applicable)].

To participate in the study, please click on the following link:

[INSERT ACTIVE LINK TO SURVEY]

The survey will remain online until [end date].

Thank you and we appreciate your time.

[Name of Contact] [Name of Contact Point]

[Position] [Position]
[Supporting Organization’s Name] [Organization name]
[Contact email] [Contact email]
[Phone number] [Phone number]

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Appendix D – Sample Participation Handout

Dear Staff Member,

As per our previous letter, we are now conducting an online safety culture survey .

We will be using the results of this survey to assess our safety culture. The results will be made available
[method of distribution to employees].

This study involves completing the on-line survey, which takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.
All information obtained in this study will be kept strictly anonymous and confidential. The results of
this study will be presented as a summary and no individual participants will be identified. Your
responses will not be monitored, and your time will be counted towards regular work hours.

If you have any questions regarding the survey, please contact [contact person] or [contact person in
support organization (when applicable)].

We would appreciate your participation.

Thank you and we appreciate your time.

[Name of Contact] [Name of Contact Point]

[Position] [Position]
[Supporting Organization’s Name] [Organization name]
[Contact email] [Contact email]
[Phone number] [Phone number]

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Appendix E – IAEA Safety Culture Perception Questionnaire – Version
13

Please read the following before you fill out the questionnaire

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Do not put your name on any part of this questionnaire

2. Answer all the questions as completely and honestly as possible. If you are not comfortable
answering a question, leave it blank and move onto the next question.

Please Note:

Your individual answers will be kept confidential to the research team, your participation is
voluntary and you can withdraw from responding to the questionnaire at any point up until you
submit it (see information sheet for specific instructions).

If you have any questions please ask the person who is coordinating your session. You can also
contact [support person in supporting organization when applicable] at [phone number], or at [e-
mail address].

Thank you for your participation!

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DEMOGRAPHICS: The information you provide below will be used to see how various groups of employees
differ in their opinions about safety. The information will be used for descriptive purpose only. The
information will only be reported in terms of large groups, ensuring that your responses remain completely
anonymous.

1. Please indicate your department/workgroup.

 …
 …
 …
 …
 …
 …
 Contractor/External

2. Please select the type of work you most frequently perform.

 Hands-on plant related work

 Office/administration work

3. Do you hold a management or supervisory position? No  Yes 

4. How long are you working in the company?

 Less than 5 years
 More than 5 years

17
INSTRUCTIONS: The following statements are related to how nuclear safety is managed; please rate the
extent to which you agree with each statement.

Somewhat

Somewhat
Disagree

Disagree

Disagree
Strongly

Strongly
Neutral

Know
Don’t
Agree

Agree

Agree
I feel free to ask questions about any issue 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

There is a high level of trust between workgroups 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

Our work processes are effective 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

Our strategic plans reflect safety as the overriding priority 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

My direct supervisor communicates effectively about

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
safety

Contractors actively participate in safety programs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

I feel free to question decisions 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

There is a high level of trust between management and

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
employees

Our work is well planned 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

Our staffing levels reflect safety as the overriding priority 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

My direct supervisor encourages open discussion within

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
the team

Contractors are held to the same standard as other

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
employees

I feel free to stop work when uncertain 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

There is a high level of trust between my supervisor and

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
my workgroup

Work plans are realistic 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

18
INSTRUCTIONS: The following statements are related to how nuclear safety is managed; please rate the
extent to which you agree with each statement.

Somewhat

Somewhat
Disagree
Disagree

Disagree
Strongly

Strongly
Neutral

Know
Don’t
Agree

Agree

Agree
I feel free to report mistakes 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

There is a high level of trust within my workgroup 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

Physical working conditions are good 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

The overriding priority of safety is clearly communicated 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

My direct supervisor has good leadership skills 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

Contractors are involved in safety discussions 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

Our incident investigations are effective 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

People are recognized for their performance 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

Poor working conditions are not tolerated 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

Our documentation reflects safety as the overriding

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
priority

My direct supervisor helps our team to adapt to change 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

Contractors follow our safety practices 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

It is easy to report safety issues 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

People are treated with respect 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

Our decisions reflect safety as the overriding priority 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

19
INSTRUCTIONS: The following statements are related to how nuclear safety is managed; please rate the
extent to which you agree with each statement.

Somewhat

Somewhat
Disagree

Disagree

Disagree
Strongly

Strongly
Neutral

Know
Don’t
Agree
Agree

Agree
Our corrective actions are effective 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

People take pride in their work 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

Our response to safety concerns shows that safety is the

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
overriding priority

My direct supervisor helps resolve difficult issues between

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
teams

Contractors work safely 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

We adhere to procedures 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

Our performance indicators help us to improve 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

People support each other 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

People are recognized for safety conscious behaviors 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

My direct supervisor involves us when making decisions 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

Safety responsibilities are clearly defined 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

We have enough authority to perform our work safely 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

Our training program helps us improve 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

People work together effectively to solve common

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
problems

The way our resources are allocated shows that safety is

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
the overriding priority

20
INSTRUCTIONS: The following statements are related to how nuclear safety is managed; please rate the
extent to which you agree with each statement.

Somewhat

Somewhat
Disagree

Disagree

Disagree
Strongly

Strongly
Neutral

Know
Don’t
Agree

Agree

Agree
Internal assessments helps us improve our safety
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
performance

People are encouraged to help each other 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

Our housekeeping standards are high 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

My direct supervisor is responsive to safety concerns 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

We work to improve safety procedures 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

Our management is visibly present in the field 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

There are adequate resources to maintain competence 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

People are willing to share their expertise 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

Management supports my direct supervisor in upholding

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
safety standards

We accept ownership for safety 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

Our management is responsive to safety concerns 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

Our management makes safety the overriding priority 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

We are encouraged to report problems that impact our

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
performance

Safety expectations are clearly defined 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

21
INSTRUCTIONS: The following statements are related to how nuclear safety is managed; please rate the
extent to which you agree with each statement.

Somewhat

Somewhat
Disagree

Disagree

Disagree
Strongly

Strongly
Neutral

Know
Don’t
Agree

Agree

Agree
Workgroups cooperate effectively with one another 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

Our management communicates effectively about safety 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

The independence of the regulator is respected 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

We value independent views of our safety performance 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

Cooperating with other workgroups is valued 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

Our management encourages open discussion 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

We have regular opportunities to develop our skills 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

I can always get help from others in this organization 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

We encourage each other to work safely 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

Safety assessments help us improve 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

We openly share lessons learned 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

Cross functional team members are selected based on

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
expertise

Our management ensures that leadership skills are

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
systematically developed

We follow safety rules 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

We use operating experience to improve 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

22
INSTRUCTIONS: The following statements are related to how nuclear safety is managed; please rate the
extent to which you agree with each statement.

Somewhat

Somewhat
Disagree

Disagree

Disagree
Strongly

Strongly
Neutral

Know
Don’t
Agree

Agree

Agree
We have access to the training we need 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

Information is effectively communicated across teams 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

Our management establishes clear safety expectations 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

We have high quality procedures 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

We understand our assigned tasks 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

We have the time to develop our skills 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

We have high quality documentation 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

Thank you for your participation!

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 Appendix F – Behavioural Items – Optional Supplement to IAEA SCPQ-
LH*

*During the development of the IAEA SCPQ-LH, an optional set of behavioural items were
developed for the evaluation of the questionnaire. License Holders using the SCPQ-LH have reported
these as useful, and they are therefore included as optional items that can be added to the
questionnaire in Appendix E.

INSTRUCTIONS: The following statements ask your involvement in safety. Please circle the number that
most closely represents your work experience.

Somewhat

Somewhat
Disagree

Disagree

Disagree
Strongly

Strongly
Neutral

Know
Don’t
Agree

Agree

Agree
I promote the safety program within the organization 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

I put in extra effort to improve the safety of the 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

workplace
I voluntarily carry out tasks or activities that help improve 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
safety

I use all the necessary safety equipment to do my job 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

I use the correct safety procedures for carrying out my 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

job
I ensure the highest levels of safety when I carry out my 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
job
I feel that it is worthwhile to put in effort to maintain or 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
improve safety

I feel that it is important to maintain safety at all times 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

I believe that it is important to reduce the risk of 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

incidents

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INSTRUCTIONS: Review each statement and indicate the extent to which you perform the following
activities.

Never Seldom Occasionally Often Very often

If I see someone breaking safety procedures I

confront them 0 1 2 3 4

I break rules due to management pressure 0 1 2 3 4

I bend the rules to achieve a target 0 1 2 3 4

I carry out activities which are forbidden 0 1 2 3 4

I encourage fellow workers to work safely 0 1 2 3 4

I ignore safety regulations to get the job done 0 1 2 3 4

I talk about safety with fellow workers 0 1 2 3 4

I take shortcuts which involve little or no risk 0 1 2 3 4

A B C D F

Excellent Very good Acceptable Poor Failing

Please give your department an overall

A B C D F
grade on nuclear safety
Please give the Plant an overall grade on
A B C D F
nuclear safety

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Appendix G – IAEA SCPQ-LH Advisory Group

Fleming, Mark Chair, St, Mary’s University, Canada

Haage, Monica Former IAEA Lead, International Atomic Energy Agency

Skarbø, Birgitte IAEA Lead, International Atomic Energy Agency

Berg, Heinz Peter Federal Office for Radiation Protection, Germany

Brissette, Susan Bruce Power, Canada

Daté, Anjali EPSI, Canada

Diaz Francisco, Jose Manuel Eletronuclear, Brazil

Guldenmund, Frank Delft University of Technology, Netherlands

Haber, Sonja Human Performance Analysis Corporation, United States of

America

Koves, Ken WANO Tokyo Center, Japan

Kritzinger, Johann Nawah Energy Company, Emirates Nuclear Energy

Corporation, United Arab Emirates

Morrow, Stephanie U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, United States of

America

Shurberg, Deborah Human Performance Analysis Corporation, United States of

America

Volkov, Eduard ROSATOM Central Institute for Continuing Education &

Training, Russia

26