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)
Number of Accidents

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
C ompetence

competencies and patterns of Control

group values, attitudes and

behaviour, that determine the

commitment to and style and
proficiency of an
C o-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
 Committed Creates and modifies the rules or
systems to achieve the goal.

 Involved Does what can be done within the

existing system.

 Compliant Sees the benefits. Does what is expected,

but no more.

 Reluctant Does not see benefits. Does what is expected

to keep job. Probably makes reluctance known

 Non-compliant
Fails to see the benefits.
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  Lack of training
room 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