HUMAN FACTORS
Performance.
Safety.
Reliability.
Human factors aims to understand and improve the wide range of topics that influence how people behave and think. By managing these topics you will set people and organisations up for success.
What is ‘human factors’?
We’re all human. We all make mistakes and forget things. Our attention span is limited. We overlook key information when making decisions. We get distracted, bored, tired or preoccupied. We mishear and…
When designing equipment, activities, products or systems, the human factors approach is
“to make it easy for people to do the right thing and hard to do the wrong thing“
Case study: Improving human performance
Human factors and Homer Simpson
What is human factors? Do you have difficulty explaining the topic to others? And what value does human factors add?
This case study examines the factors that might influence a control room operator’s behaviour (Homer Simpson) and how we might improve his performance. These ‘Performance Influencing Factors’ are key to understanding and optimising human performance.
The article provides a definition of human factors: “making it easy for Homer to do the right thing”.
The goal is to create systems that are based around the capabilities, characteristics, and needs of people. Doing this will improve human performance: which in turn reduces accidents and ill-health, as well as increasing productivity, quality and other positive outcomes.
FEATURED
Principles of human performance
Human factors applies an understanding of humans in order to create the best possible fit between people, the things they use and the systems in which they find themselves. In order to achieve this, we need a good understanding of…
Human Factors Engineering
Human Factors Engineering (HFE) is the application of human factors knowledge to the design and construction of equipment, products, work systems, management systems and tasks.
This article outlines the objectives of Human Factors Engineering (HFE) and what to consider when reviewing…
The Ironies of Automation
The ‘ironies of automation’ refers to a set of unintended consequences as a result of automation, that could detrimentally affect human performance on critical tasks. Automation might increase human performance issues, rather than eliminate them.
Piper Alpha
On 6 July 1988, the Piper Alpha oil platform in the North Sea experienced a series of catastrophic explosions and fires. This disaster is a reminder of what can happen when production and schedule come before safety.
Chernobyl: The drama
This article was prompted by the 2019 television drama series ‘Chernobyl’, and focuses on human error, safety culture and designing for safety. It provides some discussion points to engage with your key stakeholders and to facilitate safety moments.
Kegworth
An aircraft with two engines. A fire on the left engine. The crew shut down the right engine by mistake. In the crash that followed, 47 people die and many more are seriously injured. What can we learn about human…
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Martin Anderson:
Creator of humanfactors101.com
Understanding and optimising human performance
I’ve spent over 30 years working as a human factors professional in senior roles across consultancy, industry, regulation, and research. I’m sharing my experience with you on this website.
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