Promoting human reliability assessment within large engineering organisations

Abstract

Effective qualitative and quantitative human reliability assessment (HRA) is required to achieve safety goals associated with complex, hazardous systems. Traditionally, awareness of HRA amongst engineers has been low. Therefore, promotion of the discipline within organisations may be necessary to maximise the benefits available from its application. A high-level promotional strategy is identified, consisting of a) informative and persuasive measures, and b) formal mandates. Multiple channels of communication, both direct and indirect, are available to promote HRA. A range of supporting approaches are helpful, such as use of system-specific evidence to demonstrate the benefits of HRA, targeting all levels of the organisational hierarchy, and use of the requirements of external customers and the regulator. It is suggested that carefully managed investment in internal promotional activities is worthwhile.