

Human Factors
Regulators are paying an increasing amount of attention to the Human Factors (HF) dimension, that needs careful assessment inasmuch as it is not possible to set people matters apart from the other key factors in creating a robust and safe system.
Haztech provides a comprehensive Human Factors service that combines expertise in "traditional" process safety with expertise in human behaviour in a cost effective way that addresses the site specific or organisational issues whilst maintaining focus on providing solutions that can be readily implemented in addressing human factors in the workplace.
HSE Guidance Reducing error and influencing behaviour (HSG48) is the key document in understanding HSE's approach to human factors. It gives a simple introduction to generic industry guidance on human factors, which it defines as:
"Human factors refer to environmental, organisational and job factors, and human and individual characteristics, which influence behaviour at work in a way which can affect health and safety"
Traditionally, human factors in the process industries was focussed around the engineering aspects such as the human / machine interfaces, layout of equipment, and controls, for example. There is now a greater focus on the organisational and behavioural aspects such as culture, fatigue, leadership and other performance shaping factors.
Haztech focuses on:
HF analysis of task based operations
HF with HazID
HF in Design
HF – 'Hearts and Minds'
To find out what Haztech would advise regarding the Human Factors matters relevant to your project, please contact us at info@haztechconsultants.com