HFE's Nuclear Origins and Implications for Australia’s Nuclear Defence Enterprise
Tracks
Room 3
| Monday, November 30, 2026 |
| 2:30 PM - 2:50 PM |
| Concurrent Room 2 |
Overview
Amelia Keates
Speaker
Mrs Amelia Keates
Frazer Nash Consultancy
HFE's Nuclear Origins and Implications for Australia’s Nuclear Defence Enterprise
Abstract
Context: Australia’s commitment to developing a sovereign nuclear‑powered submarine capability under AUKUS constitutes a major socio‑technical undertaking and introduces significant workforce demands, including the need to cultivate sovereign Nuclear Suitably Qualified and Experienced Personnel (NSQEP). This shift presents both opportunity and responsibility for the Australian Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE) profession. As the Defence nuclear enterprise expands, understanding how the global nuclear industry has historically shaped HFE becomes essential for preparing practitioners, researchers, and students to contribute effectively.
Aim: This presentation examines the historical influence of the international nuclear industry on the evolution of core HFE methods, concepts, and principles. It also considers the relevance of these developments to Australia’s emerging Defence nuclear capability and the applicability of existing HFE skillsets within this context.
Approach: The analysis traces the development of foundational HFE contributions rooted in nuclear practice, including Human Reliability Analysis and the conceptualisation of Safety Culture. Lessons from major civil nuclear events - such as Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima - are reviewed to illustrate how these incidents catalysed methodological innovation, strengthened systems‑oriented thinking, and reinforced the centrality of HF integration in safety-critical environments. These nuclear‑originated developments are then mapped onto associated, present-day international standards, regulatory frameworks, and technical guidance materials issued by national and international nuclear bodies.
Implications: By situating the evolution of modern HFE within the history of the nuclear industry, the presentation provides the Australian HFE community with a clearer understanding of how their expertise aligns with the needs of the Australian Defence nuclear enterprise. It highlights the transferability of established HFE competencies to nuclear contexts and encourages reflection on how AUKUS may serve as a catalyst for advancing HFE practice across both nuclear and non‑nuclear safety‑critical industries.
Aim: This presentation examines the historical influence of the international nuclear industry on the evolution of core HFE methods, concepts, and principles. It also considers the relevance of these developments to Australia’s emerging Defence nuclear capability and the applicability of existing HFE skillsets within this context.
Approach: The analysis traces the development of foundational HFE contributions rooted in nuclear practice, including Human Reliability Analysis and the conceptualisation of Safety Culture. Lessons from major civil nuclear events - such as Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima - are reviewed to illustrate how these incidents catalysed methodological innovation, strengthened systems‑oriented thinking, and reinforced the centrality of HF integration in safety-critical environments. These nuclear‑originated developments are then mapped onto associated, present-day international standards, regulatory frameworks, and technical guidance materials issued by national and international nuclear bodies.
Implications: By situating the evolution of modern HFE within the history of the nuclear industry, the presentation provides the Australian HFE community with a clearer understanding of how their expertise aligns with the needs of the Australian Defence nuclear enterprise. It highlights the transferability of established HFE competencies to nuclear contexts and encourages reflection on how AUKUS may serve as a catalyst for advancing HFE practice across both nuclear and non‑nuclear safety‑critical industries.
Biography
Amelia Keates is a Registered Psychologist, Organisational Psychology Registrar and human factors practitioner. Amelia has over seven years of experience designing and managing human factors integration and analysis projects across safety-critical industries, including Defence, Rail, Civil Air Traffic Control and Mining. In her current role as Senior Consultant – Human Factors at Frazer-Nash Consultancy, Amelia supports both design, Systems Engineering and Safety Assurance activities for complex infrastructure projects, including those with nuclear and radiological significance. Amelia has also held various research roles in both industry and within the Centre for Business and Organisational Psychology at the University of Queensland, spanning topics including AI and automation insertion, safety culture maturity, psychosocial hazard management, and psychological recovery from work. She currently holds the position of South Australian Board Director and Branch Chair for the Human Factors and Ergonomic Society Australia.
