ABSTRACT
The human operator at the sharp end with his/her individual behaviour, knowledge, and attitudes is an important element in the systematic prevention of accidents. This chapter focuses on the role of the human operator in accident causation and on the prevention of accidents through improving the quality of human performance. It begins by explaining how individuals as part of an active barrier system ensure the execution of the barrier function. The chapter then explains how individuals may generate deviations that may lead to accidents and some safety management approaches that can improve the quality of human performance in the execution of hazardous work. Well-functioning macro-cognitive actions contribute to the realisation of efficient barrier systems and thus to the avoidance of accidents. Based on the classification of human errors, the Energy Institute (2008b) has developed principles for the management of rule-breaking, applying a combination of measures with a varying mix of coaching and formal discipline.
