29.11.2007 // Information-Analytical Center of Kursk NPP

Machine engineer of Reactor Department-2 Vladimir Shevchenko represented Kursk NPP at the final of REA labor protection contest

It’s not a secret that constant improvement of personnel’s knowledge and skills in any field is a very important task. Cultivation of safety culture is one of the key tasks of the labor protection system. The annual labor protection contest among the Rosenergoatom NPPs is an effective way to solve this task. The contest has already become a tradition: this year it was conducted for the third time.

The preliminary round at Kursk NPP took place on Sept 27. Machine engineer of Reactor Department 2 Vladimir Shevchenko was the best and won the right to represent his plant at the final (Volgodonsk NPP on Nov 13–16 2007).

Shevchenko was accompanied by the head of Labor Protection Department of Kursk NPP Yuri Zakharov. He says that everything was organized perfectly.

“The final started with a traditional prayer. The first deputy general inspector of Rosenergoatom I.Zonov opened the event. He said that the protection of the life and health of the personnel on site is an essential part of Roseneegoatom’s safety policy, while labor protection has become a duty for each employee of the Concern – be he ordinary worker or top manager. The director of Volgodonsk NPP A.Palamarchuk welcomed the contestants and wished them success.”

The latter were offered three tests: theory (knowledge of rules), practice (detection of mistakes in a picture) and crossword.

“It was the first time I was in the final. Many of my rivals were there for the second time. The tests were very difficult. The ones we were offered during the preliminary rounds were much easier. But everything was within the boundaries of essential knowledge.”

Shevchenko passed the two first rounds perfectly, but failed at crossword.

“I was a bit nervous. I knew the answers but I got confused. I failed to guess a couple of words and finished the third. I can’t say that my rivals were stronger. All of us were strong. I even helped some of them. The atmosphere was very friendly.”

On the second day, the finalists took part in business game – something like well-known “Who? Where? When?” – but the questions were about labor protection rules. The questions were really hard but the “connoisseurs” won thereby proving their professionalism once again. The authors of the two questions they failed to answer got special prizes.

“In fact, we failed to answer just one question: “What means of protection are used in work at high-voltage lines under tension?” We began inventing something: gloves, etc. But the point was that such work is prohibited. We missed the point. It was just a game but on site such a mistake might end in an accident.”

“I was the oldest there. The average age was 25–30. I think that next year our plant will send a younger specialist. We have lots of professional and disciplined youths,” says Shevchenko.

He says that such contests are very important and useful. They enhance the professionalism and responsibility of the personnel.

“I would like to thank the management of Kursk NPP for sending me to the contest. It was a really great experience,” says Shevchenko.

Next year the final of the contest will take place at Balakovo NPP as the representative of that plant Vitaly Felde has won this year’s final. The second was Vladimir Usatenko from Beloyarsk NPP. All the winners and participants received presents and certificates.