[Padraig]

tl; dr's rarely do justice but I think that's a bit snipey.

The point I took from it was in the organisational culture in the team that looked after the reactor. A macho attitude celebrating exposure to radiation does not inspire confidence.

[ErrantX]

To be honest I think there were two seperate things there; the macho attitude to radiation exposure, and the mistake (understandably) made by a new team member.

The former is just a defence mechanism, probably related to them being in the forces where the alternative (expressing concern or fear) doesn't fit. But I don't think it would translate into "go on, lean out over there and you'll be top of the chart this month!!"

[Padraig]

There's plenty of room for 'respecting dangerous invisible shit that can kill you' between those two extremes of being a scaredy-cat and acting macho.

[ErrantX]

I'm struggling to see the jokey and macho competition described as anything more than camaraderie, certainly not an extreme or uncommon attitude. I don't think it means they are ignoring the radiation, just enjoying (rather than dwelling) on the risk associated with their chosen career.

The story conflates these two different incidents, but really they are unrelated. And if the takeaway you have is that they were blase about the risks, well, that isn't at all how I read it. Indeed, it was clear that it was taken seriously.

Steve just didn't have the same attitude and so quit, that is all :)

[chadgeidel]

Perhaps I'm mistaken but "They would celebrate whoever got the highest dose of the week by making them buy the beer for the rest." seems like very good culture. The policy uses free beer to incentivize low radiation exposure.

It actually sounds like a fairly effective way to encourage everyone to pay attention.

[patrickyeon]

In my (admittedly limited) experience with managed risks (hospital staff dealing with infected patients and rock climbing being the two biggies, I guess), I'm not sure that what gets interpreted as macho attitudes is a flippant dismissal of risk. I think it's a much more complex interplay including elements of having to re-assure others that even though they may be scared, the situation is under control, as well as playing the same mind game with yourself.