Human Factors

Importance of Human Factors

The principle of Human Factors allows us to apply a systemic and systems-based approach to tackle everyday problems no matter the size or complexity. The theory allows us to examine the wider context of a situation by examining the interactions of teams with the equipment and procedures and environment they operate in. By taking this approach and delivering this type of training, enables pro-active change and builds robust systems to be safer and more productive.

Human Factors Success

• The aviation industry is one of the early pioneers in embracing Human Factors Training (Crew Resource Management) to their curriculum as an annual mandatory requirement. Crew Resource Management Training and improved safety systems has led to the reduction in accident rates from 40 accidents to 0.1 accidents per 1 million flights in the last 60 years (1) despite large increases in passenger traffic.

• Healthcare industry reported an error rate of 1 error committed per 1.7 patients per day in high-pressure, time-critical situations (2). “Training efforts – such as crew resource management (CRM) and a focus on the key concepts of leadership, briefings, monitoring, cross-checking, decision-making, and review and modification of plans – have enhanced communication and teamwork, thus providing a mechanism for increased safety and a change in crew attitudes and behaviour” (3).

• The oil and gas sector is a major hazard industry and recognises the importance of implementing Crew Resource Management/Human Factors training. “An ignorance of Human Factors & CRM results in suboptimal performance and fails to tackle the largest contributory cause of incidents in High Reliability Organisations” (4).

• Human Factors is less recognised in the Financial Industry, however it’s relevance is no less than a safety-driven sector. Developing non-technical skills amongst individuals in teams is critical to deliver increased levels of productivity and performance. A recent study “highlighted the importance of nontechnical skills (cognitive and social skills that underpin performance), human error (e.g. attention), and human-computer interfaces for influencing performance in financial trading” (5).