ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the critical effects of human and organizational factors and highlights the role of their interactions with automation in the safe operation of complex, large-scale technological systems. It highlights the critical role of human and organizational factors in the safety of petrochemical plants in a survey. The chapter suggests that in order to prevent accidents in chemical and nuclear plants, an integrated systemic approach should be taken to the design and operation as attentive to both technical elements and human and organizational factors. The inclusion of organizational and safety factors into the design and operation of a pipeline system control room results in better operator-task and operator-workstation matches. The chapter concludes with "human factors reviews of maintenance and operations personnel and functions" as one of the four critical areas where management of oil, gas, and chemical companies should concentrate their efforts.
