Module 06

Human Factors

© CHSS 2003
Ref: SC/086/V1
 Human Factors?

“Human factors refer to environmental,

organisational and job factors, and
human and individual characteristics
which influence behaviour at work in a
way that can affect health and safety”

© CHSS 2003
Ref: SC/086/V1
 Why Tackle Human Factors?

Technical improvements
(Hardware)

Process and procedural safety

(Software)

Human factors

1970’s 1980’s 1990’s 2000’s

© CHSS 2003
Ref: SC/086/V1
 Three Spheres of Influence

ORGANISATION
Culture,leadership,
Resources, Work patterns,
Communications…..

JOB
INDIVIDUAL Task, Workload
Competence, Skills Environment
Personality, Attitudes Display and Controls
Risk Perception….. Procedures…..

© CHSS 2003
Ref: SC/086/V1
 The Individual

Attitudes and Behaviours

Motivation
Perception
Also issues re :-
 Mental or physical capabilities
 Training etc

© CHSS 2003
Ref: SC/086/V1
 Maslow’s hierarchy of needs

© CHSS 2003
Ref: SC/086/V1
 Perception

© CHSS 2003
Ref: SC/086/V1
 Perception

© CHSS 2003
Ref: SC/086/V1
 The Organisation

The culture is defined as:

“the product of individual or
Competence
group values, attitudes and
competencies and patterns of Control
behaviour, that determine the
commitment to and style and
proficiency of an Co-operation
organisation’s health and
safety programmes.”
Communication
© CHSS 2003
Ref: SC/086/V1
 The Job
Safe systems of work
Ergonomics
The extent of decision making
a balance between stimulation and stress

Procedures and instructions

The working environment
maintained to a standard and monitored

Work patterns
© CHSS 2003
Ref: SC/086/V1
 6 Steps to Commitment
Creates and modifies the rules or
Committed systems to achieve the goal.

Does what can be done within the

Involved existing system.

Sees the benefits. Does what is expected,

Compliant but no more.

Does not see benefits. Does what is expected

Reluctant to keep job. Probably makes reluctance known

Fails to see the benefits.

Non-compliant Will not do what is expected.

Apathetic No opinion or interest

© CHSS 2003
Ref: SC/086/V1
 Human Failure
Active failures Latent failures
 Immediate • Poor design
consequences eg
drivers, control room
• Lack of training
staff • Lack of supervision
• Uncertainty on roles
and responsibility

© CHSS 2003
Ref: SC/086/V1
 Major Incidents

Three Mile Island

Clapham Junction
Challenger Space Shuttle
Piper Alpha

© CHSS 2003
Ref: SC/086/V1
 Human Failures
Slips
Skill based

Lapses
Errors
Rules
Mistakes

Human Knowledge
Failures
Routine

Violations Situational

© CHSS 2003
Exceptional
Ref: SC/086/V1
 How to promote safe
behaviour
Discipline
 responsibilities and accountability

Reward
Inform
 reasoning and understanding

 changing perceptions

Facilitate
 make safe behaviour easy

Train
 competence

© CHSS 2003
Ref: SC/086/V1