Safety Culture in Licensed Indonesian Irradiation Facilities: Evaluating Key Attributes Through the IAEA Harmonized Model

Abstract

Abstract

The growing deployment of industrial irradiation technology utilizing high-activity sealed sources and high-energy accelerators escalates radiological risks. Comprehensive safety culture evaluations are critical to prevent radiological consequences and maintain the credibility of the national nuclear safety infrastructure. This study assesses key attributes within licensed Indonesian irradiation facilities using the IAEA Harmonized Safety Culture Model, addressing the lack of empirical evidence in this sector. A quantitative, exploratory study was conducted across multiple organizational levels (operators, supervisors, management, HSE, and administrative personnel), yielding 39 respondents. The questionnaire evaluated 43 attributes grouped into ten IAEA-defined characteristics. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency distributions, mean scores, and standard deviations, supported by validity and reliability testing of the instrument. Workplace communication, facilities reflect respect, learning from experience, training, and resolution emerged as relatively strengths; conversely, respect is evident, free flow of information, benchmarking, recognize and question assumptions, and question uncertainty were identified as priority areas for improvement. The findings provide an empirical baseline and context-specific insights for operators and regulators to strengthen targeted safety strategies. While exploratory and perception-based, this study establishes a foundation for progressive safety maturity. Future research should integrate objective safety performance indicators, larger datasets, and complementary qualitative approaches to systematically examine the causal relationships driving organizational safety performance.