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.
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.
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!!"
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 :)
It actually sounds like a fairly effective way to encourage everyone to pay attention.