3125 Human factors briefing note no. 16 – Human factors integration

Overview:

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There are two aspects to human factors integration (HFI):

• Integrating human factors methods and procedures into the organisation itself - all employees become aware of the meaning of human factors and how it is used within company systems and processes.
• Integrating human factors methods and procedures into specific projects - human factors analysis and design is carried out at the right time within a team working together on engineering, design, managerial and human factors issues as a whole.

Why human factors integration?

For systems to operate safely and effectively, they should be designed to support the people who operate them. Human factors (HF) is regarded by the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as having an essential contribution during the development and operation of systems. Experience shows that it is ineffective to address HF as an afterthought. HF is not a stand-alone activity. Best practice is achieved only when HF is integrated into the mainstream of systems development (Reference 1).

“Human factors integration helps to ensure that human factors methods and principles are applied appropriately and consistently during systems development in order to achieve a safe and effective design for end users (Elder et al, 2001).” Source: RSSB Website http://www.rssb.co.uk

Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) Regulations require that top-tier establishments demonstrate a structured, systematic approach to managing human performance within site safety reports. This is best addressed through HF integration within projects, but also into the company’s safety management system.

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