Human Factors in the Chemical Process Industries

Abstract

Abstract Human Factors is a multifaceted discipline incorporating ergonomics, engineering psychology, human–machine interaction, the working environment, and human and organizational factors. This chapter provides definitions of the terms associated with human factors, including human error and performance influencing factors. It then discusses the techniques used to identify the potential for human error in the workplace before discussing some of the performance influencing factors under the headings of individual factors, job factors, and organizational factors. Factors discussed include competence and skills, personality, occupational stress, design of control rooms, and procedures. Above all, the importance of understanding the safety culture or safety climate of an organization or site is stressed, as is the role of management at all levels, i.e., senior managers, middle managers, and supervisors. In conclusion, the chapter advocates integrating Human Factors into the safety management system (SMS). This will ensure the proper design of hardware, software, processes, and procedures to facilitate good practice in terms of operation and maintenance. Training and competence and management of change should also be considered as an integrated part of the SMS. Ultimately, although everyone who works in the process industries is responsible for safety, senior management is accountable for safety. They are the individuals who would be found culpable in a court of law in the event of a major incident as testified by the outcomes of Public Inquiries such as Flixborough, Piper Alpha, Texas City, and Deepwater Horizon.