By applying human factors we aim to create a good “fit” between people, the equipment they use, the tasks they carry out and the environment in which they work. In doing this, we can make people more reliable.
Creating human reliability involves identifying the factors or conditions that might set people up to fail and managing these. By making these factors optimal, we can set people up for success.
As industries, systems and technologies become increasingly complex, human failures can have adverse effects on a large number of people (such as failures in the control of nuclear power plants, or in air-traffic control). The challenge is to assess and manage the risks from human failure, before incidents occur.
Although organisations are starting to address human performance issues in their incident investigations, my experience is that very few companies proactively attempt to understand potential human failures.
Knowledge hub: Human reliability
Want to know more? See the articles below:
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 what it means to be “human”.…
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…
Should you focus on behaviours?
A focus on individual behaviours is not the most effective approach to address workplace health and safety, unless all other necessary measures have been taken. Addressing behaviours should not be used to compensate for poorly-designed work or workplaces. This article outlines the importance of the Hierarchy…
Ten facts about human failure
I find these ten facts about human failure a great way to engage delegates on human factors training courses.
This post also discusses Performance Influencing Factors, the things that make human failures more or less likely.
Human error, human performance and investigations
Human error is a central concept in ergonomics and human factors. But what is ‘human error’? Is it helping us to improve safety? The language we use may be preventing us from learning or improving.
In this article, I discuss a better way of thinking…
Human reliability in maintenance
Maintenance is a key area where there is significant interaction between people and equipment, and so it is necessary to understand the role of human factors in these activities. During every maintenance activity there is a potential for human failures to be introduced. Typically, human reliability…
Human factors: Preventing violations
Violations of procedures are a significant cause of many workplace accidents. This post introduces this type of human failures and includes a Briefing Note with strategies to prevent violations.
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 a design.
Fatal distraction
Around the world, children die from hyperthermia every year after parents unintentionally left them in a hot vehicle, often for a full day. This article examines these tragedies from a human factors perspective, and provides some tips to prevent it happening to your family.
It…
Working memory: A user’s guide
How do we “think”? And what’s the role of Working Memory in thinking?
Little has been written about Working Memory in relation to human performance in the workplace – and so in this article I introduce the concept of working memory, discuss why it’s important…
Normalisation of deviance
“Normalisation of deviance” is when deviations from agreed standards or working practices become incorporated into the routine. Small changes, slight deviations from the norm, gradually become the norm.
Here’s some guidance on identifying and managing such deviations before they become the new ‘normal’.
Your mobile phone could kill you
A significant proportion of road accidents involve driver distraction. Many drivers admit to making calls, reading or writing messages, and checking social media whilst driving.
Using mobile phones can cause drivers to take their eyes off the road, their hands off the steering wheel, and…
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.