ABSTRACT
The rail industry offers huge potential for the practical application of human factors/ ergonomics (HF/E) to support human-centered design, to improve human performance, and to help shift mindsets away from “blame and train” toward an understanding of how work is done and how systems can be improved. HF/E is still somewhat misunderstood within the rail industry, but it is a discipline that is steadily maturing and one that is in increasing demand. This is thanks in no small part to the legislated requirements to consider HF/E that have increased following a number of signicant rail incidents. The long history and traditions of the rail industry are, however, at times at odds with the current demands placed on modern rail networks; there is a very real pressure to modernize infrastructure, improve efciency, and deliver increasing levels of service that have led to signicant change and supported rapid growth. To achieve greater efciencies, many rail operators now look closely for better ways of working, good practice industry standards, cutting edge technology, and even “off-the-shelf” solutions. These characteristics make the rail sector a fascinating and challenging place for an HF/E practitioner.
