Which of the following is a common cause of nuclear accidents?

Human error and equipment failure are recognized as significant contributors to nuclear accidents. Human error can occur in various forms, such as operational mistakes, failure to follow protocols, or miscommunication among personnel. This can lead to improper control of reactor conditions or mismanagement of emergency situations. Equipment failure refers to malfunctions of critical systems and components, which can compromise safety systems essential for maintaining safe reactor operations.

Both human error and equipment failure can be exacerbated by various factors including inadequate training, insufficient safety culture, or aging infrastructure, leading to incidents that can have catastrophic consequences. Therefore, understanding and addressing these factors are crucial in nuclear safety management to mitigate risks and enhance the overall safety of nuclear facilities.