146: Human Factors Issue
Definition/Typical Issues
This major root cause category addresses issues related to the design of equipment, systems, and administrative processes. This includes:
- Tools and equipment
- Workplace layout
- Work environment
- Physical workload
- Mental workload
- Error mitigation
Was there a failure to consider the capabilities and limitations of humans in the design, development, production, and control of systems? Is the layout of the workplace inadequate? Is the work environment excessively noisy, hot, or cold? Does the task impose an excessive physical or mental workload? Is it difficult for personnel to detect and correct errors?
Examples
Example 1
- An operator assigned the responsibility of monitoring a computer screen for an entire 8-hour shift failed to detect high level in a tank. As a result, product was unacceptable.
Example 2
- An operator failed to control the flow rate in a process because the flow rate meter could not be seen from the location where the flow was controlled. As a result, the material produced did not meet specifications.
Example 3
- An operator inadvertently switched on the wrong pump because all three pump switches looked the same and were not labeled. As a result, the pump was damaged.
Example 4
- An operator was supposed to open cartons of materials. It was difficult to obtain utility knives from the warehouse (they never seemed to have them in stock), so the operator often used a screwdriver to open the packages. As a result, some of the items were scratched by the tip of the screwdriver.
Typical Recommendations
- Locate related controls and indications together.
- Provide employees with adequate personal protective equipment such as hearing protection, gloves, and safety glasses. Ensure that the equipment is available in different sizes to ensure a comfortable fit.
- Reduce the complexity of control systems.
- Provide feedback to operators so that they can tell if actions are performed correctly.
Cross-References
| Version 10 Element(s) | |
|---|---|
| Node ID | Node Name |
| 138 | Human Factors Engineering |
| Maritime Element(s) | |
|---|---|
| Node ID | Node Name |
| 143 | Human Factors |