21. Perception of accidents

Whatever the industrial activity, there is no such thing as zero risk. Accidents are always a possibility, even if every effort is made to minimize their occurrence and impact on the environment. Most accidents are the result of human error, which often amplifies technical problems. However, human error should not be blamed, because very often man avoids accidents by making the right decisions in unexpected situations. But these positive interventions are rarely recorded, unlike the human errors that lead to accidents.

Not all accidents are perceived in the same way. Nuclear power is a scary business, and any casualty in this field has a far greater impact than any other accident. The psychological impact after an accident is far greater, as a number of people are displaced and contaminated areas may be closed off, leading to loss of territory. The WHO considers...