Engineer In Society Date : 1-04-2019

Topic – 4: Statutes and Standard Related

to Engineering Practice, Environment and Safety

Human Factors Influencing Workplace Safety

Knowledge of human factors goes beyond understanding individual employees to include many other aspects
of the modern workplace. It is a fascinating study of interrelated elements and behaviors that allows for
measurable improvements through both cultural and procedure change. Here is a quick look at the basics:

(1) What are human factors?

Human factors “refer to environmental, organizational and job factors, and human and individual
characteristics which influence behavior at work in a way which can affect health and safety.”
These factors can be further isolated to include several specific elements as follows:
1) Tasks, workload and work patterns.
2) Working environment and workplace design.
3) Workplace culture and communication.
4) Leadership and resources.
5) Policies, programs and procedures.
6) Worker competency and skill.
7) Employee attitude, personality and risk tolerance.

Three types of human failure (unsafe acts) often lead to major workplace accidents:
i. Errors (slips/lapses) or unintentional actions like forgetting to complete a certain step in a transaction
or process.
ii. Mistakes (also errors) but of judgment or decision-making where we do the wrong thing but believe it
to be right.
iii. Violations or intentional errors such as taking shortcuts or non-compliance with procedures.

(2) How do human factors impact safety?

The thing to remember when looking at human factors is the fact that everyone in the workplace is
indeed “only human.” Thus, they are fallible. Accidents can normally be attributed to one of three
actions:

Errors and unintentional mistakes.

Poor judgment and bad decision making.

Disregard for procedures.

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Most workplaces are adept at identifying obvious hazards and providing basic safety training upon hiring
new employees. However, the evaluation of human factors should be an ongoing effort that involves all
employees. Only by understanding human factors, can an occupational safety professional seek out ways to
mitigate risk with stopgap measures that prevent accidents before they occur.

(3) Can risks from human factors be eliminated?

No dangers can be fully eliminated from a workplace. However, proper education can go a long way in
mitigating risk. Initial safety training is a standard practice for most organizations. Unfortunately, safety
manuals and curriculum can be quickly outdated. New OHSA regulations emerge on a periodic basis and
should be shared as must-know information for employees at different levels. Requiring regular safety update
meetings or webinars will ensure that everyone receives the same message. Putting up a poster is not enough.

(4) What if the training is not enough to prevent risky behavior?

The principles of maintaining a safe workplace begin at the top. It is the responsibility of the executive
leadership team to create a zero-tolerance culture that is embraced at all levels of the organization. The
mandate to work safely is not up for discussion. Individuals who engage in risky behavior need to be called
out, and ultimately culled out from the company.