Introduction to Human Factors

Who should attend
The course is designed for those requiring a working understanding of the subject variously known as Human Factors, Ergonomics or User-Centred Design. It will be relevant to delegates from across all industries, including: Engineers and designers who make decisions affecting the usability of a system or product; Project managers and operations managers requiring an overview of Human Factors for effective decision-making at all points in the project cycle; Operators of machinery in process industries who wish to optimise their working conditions and avoid musculoskeletal disorders.

Why you should attend
Applying ergonomics will help reduce industrial injuries and increase productivity. Good workplace ergonomics can also provide a robust defence in the case of personal injury litigation.

What you will learn
On completion of this course, delegates will have a basic grounding in Human Factors. They will become aware of the importance of a person-centred approach to equipment and environmental design that will improve the safety and efficiency of work systems. Delegates will understand that ergonomics is a broad subject – ranging from human reliability quantification to manual handling risk assessment. They will also gain an insight into the ergonomics approach to solving problems. Among the skills developed will be a facility in Hierarchical Task Analysis, which has many applications in ergonomics.

Expected outcomes
The knowledge the delegates gain from the course will benefit them directly in a professional sense and also benefit their sponsoring organisation through improved decisions in the area of equipment usability, safety and optimal task design.
Successful completion of the course will provide a strong foundation for our higher level courses.

Course duration
1 day

Course content
Module 1: What is Human Factors?
This first module provides delegates with an overview of the Human Factors (HF) approach. Human Factors is defined and its history is described. The HF core areas are listed and the typical benefits of HF are explained. The module discusses the relationship between HF and other disciplines and describes typical applications of HF.

Module 2: HF and the prevention of major industrial catastrophes
This module presents a series of high-profile catastrophes selected from a range of sectors. It is designed to stimulate thought and discussion on the role of HF in preventing major accidents. There are six case studies: Piper Alpha, Zeebrugge, Space Shuttle Challenger, Ladbroke Grove, Kegworth and Three Mile Island. In each case the sequence of events is described and the Human Factors failings are highlighted, with the participation of the delegates.

Module 3: Workstation design
A suitable workstation design must take account of the users’ anthropometry, biomechanics (including posture) and vision. This module explains the common fallacies of workstation design and replaces them with an ergonomic approach. The sources and the method of use of anthropometric data are described. Basic workstation design principles are described which support good working posture of the operator. The main assessment methodologies for posture are described and appraised. The optimal positioning of controls and displays is described. Finally, the module discusses relevant legislation in the area of workstation design, focusing on the ISO9241 regulations for Display Screen Equipment.

Module 4: Environmental ergonomics
This module explains the fundamental issues of maintaining a work environment optimal to safety, comfort and efficiency. It discusses thermal comfort, lighting, vibration, radiation and hazardous chemicals.  In each case, the units of measurement are discussed, relevant legislation is described and the methods of mitigating adverse health and performance effects are presented.

Module 5: Task analysis
Task analysis is central to the Human Factors approach. In order to improve task or equipment design, the analyst must have a clear understanding of what the operator is doing and how the operator is processing information. This module presents the main methods of task analysis available to the analyst, detailing the advantages and disadvantages of each. The principal methodology, Hierarchical Task Analysis (HTA), is discussed in detail. Delegates have an opportunity to apply HTA to a simple task. Link analysis, timeline analysis, verbal protocols, activity sampling and sequential sampling are presented and evaluated. The advantages of computer tools for task analysis are discussed.

Module 6: Human reliability assessment
An understanding of human reliability issues is essential for managers of socio-technical systems and for operators working within these systems. This module begins by exploring the types and contexts of human error, then examines the techniques available for identifying and quantifying error in new or extant systems.  The following techniques are covered: Human HAZOP, THERP, HEART, SHERPA and SLIM. The modifying role of performance shaping factors on error likelihood is explained.  The module concludes by examining a range of approaches for mitigating human error.

Module 7: Human-computer interaction
Effective human-computer interaction (HCI) is critical in high-reliability industries.  This module presents the fundamentals of designing equipment for effective HCI. It begins by explaining the importance of mental models and the need to design the interface around the mental model of the user. Principles of best design practice are presented, under the general themes of layout, labelling, consistency, selection of control and display types, text size and feedback. The module then outlines the common mistakes made by designers of computer interfaces. Standards and regulations relevant to interface design are summarised. Future HCI technologies are discussed, including speech and haptic interfaces.

Module 8: Manual handling
Figures released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) indicate that typically over a third of all over-three-day injuries occur during manual handling operations. This final module explains the basic anatomy of the spine and the possible injuries arising from lifting operations. The majority of the time is spent discussing the Manual Handling Operations Regulations and the responsibilities incumbent on employer and employee to reduce the risk of injury. Methods of assessing risk are discussed, including the HSE filter and the HSE’s Manual Handling Assessment Charts. Methods of preventing risk focus in turn on the task design, the individual and the load. Correct lifting techniques are presented.

Recapitulation
The day’s discussions are summarised. This is also a final opportunity for questions and answers.

Assessment
None

What’s included
A certificate and printed handouts of the course slides

Recommended pre-requisites
Trainees are expected to attend the course with an open and interested mind.

Locations
Bath or client site

Cost
Negotiable