ABSTRACT
The purpose of this chapter is to highlight the importance of human factors (HF) competence during accident investigations and to ensure that HF elements are analysed, such as sensemaking. HF takes a systems approach to the understanding of behaviour, which is investigated in relation to performance shaping factors (PSFs) in the work environment and the identification of ‘latent hazards’. HF investigations often begin with a ‘micro-ergonomic’ analysis, focusing on events in the immediate environment when the event took place. This is followed by a ‘macro-ergonomic’ analysis which views the accident as a process, rather than an event, seeking to understand why and how latent hazards and other PSFs were present when the accident occurred. The use of ‘situation awareness’ as an explanatory principle in accident investigation is critically analysed. Risk compensation is discussed as a psychological mechanism that can be useful in the analysis of violations. Fatigue and stress are discussed in relation to job design and accident proneness. Examples of how good design can promote or prevent error are given. Safety can be seen as a way of determining ‘what happens next’ through the operation of safety constraints (ranging from the design of the user interface to the design of organisational policies and procedures) providing a richer insight into accident causation, enabling safety recommendations to be made at different levels and directed to a wider range of authorities.
