Human Factors Review and Analysis

People are key components of industrial processes. They are involved in process design, operation, maintenance, etc. No step in the process life cycle is without some human involvement. Based on human nature, human failure or error is a given and will arise in all parts of the process life cycle.

Unfortunately, processes are generally not well-protected from human failures since many safeguards are focused on equipment failure. Consequently, human error is an important contributor to risk for most processes. This is evidenced by the number of major accidents that have been attributed to this cause. Both human failures and the factors that influence their likelihoods must be identified and assessed to determine if improvements in the human factors design of a process are needed. Human failure analysis involves the systematic identification and evaluation of the possible errors that may be made by operators, maintenance engineers, technicians, and other personnel in the plant. Various analysis methods are used such as task analysis and job safety analysis. Human factors engineering studies focus on the interface of people with the process and its impact on system operation. These studies identify factors that increase the likelihood of human failures.

Details

Consideration of human failures and human factors in Process Hazard Analysis (PHA).

We assist clients in identifying human failures and addressing human factors during the performance of PHAs. The PHA worksheets and report document the issues identified.

Human failure analysis studies.

We perform human failure studies to provide a more thorough assessment of human errors for a process. Such studies can be conducted before a PHA is performed so the results can be utilized in the PHA. A report is provided that documents the results of the study.

Human factors studies.

We perform human factors studies to provide a more thorough assessment of the human factors present in a process that adversely affect human performance. Such studies can be conducted before a PHA is performed so the results can be utilized in the PHA. A report is provided that documents the results of the study.

Human factors issues.

We perform studies on specific human factors issues such as control center design, procedures design, competence management and safety culture. A report is provided that documents the results of the study.

Other Information

Government regulations and industry-recommended practices have focused attention on human factors. OSHA’s PSM standard, EPA’s RMP rule, API’s recommended practice for Safety Environmental Management Programs (SEMP), RP75, and other industry good engineering practices address this topic. Human failure as a cause of hazard scenarios must be identified and the factors that influence human failures must be considered.
Improving the human factors design of a process can produce not only improvements in safety and health but also gains in quality, productivity and employee job satisfaction.