Human factors

Human factors is an important component of safety management in public transport.

What is 'human factors'?

Human factors (also known as ergonomics) is an applied science concerned with analysing and optimising the performance of individuals and teams in the workplace. It draws on methods and principles from psychology and other behavioural and social sciences, as well as engineering, biomechanics and physiology.

The primary aim of human factors in safety critical industries (including public transport) is to reduce error and improve safety and efficiency through an understanding of human capabilities and limitations and the way people interact with other people, the equipment they operate, and their living and work environment.

Human factors is concerned with understanding both the performance of the individual, and of the team as a whole.

The application of human factors knowledge to the rail and bus industries contributes to improved performance and safety wherever the transport systems interface with people.

Why apply it to the rail and bus industries?

It is well recognised that human factors issues play a significant role in incidents and accidents and constitute a significant source of risk in many safety critical industries. For example, research in the field of human reliability has shown that human error is inevitable, a normal characteristic of human behaviour and it plays a significant role in incidents and accidents.

It is therefore vital that consideration is given to assessing and managing risks arising from human activity which may impact on the safety of the system.