Factors Affecting Human Performance.

FACTORS AFFECTING HUMAN
PERFORMANCE
By
Miebara Rommel
Module objectives
AEROCONSULT AVIATION TRAINING

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CENTRE
Introduction to human performance
• What is human performance?
• Human performance refers to the capabilities and limitations
of individuals that impact the safety and efficiency of
aeronautical operations.
• It encompasses the study of how people's performance is
shaped by their capabilities and limitations, as well as the
factors that affect their work, such as environmental,
organizational, occupational, human, and individual factors.
• Human performance training in aviation focuses on optimizing
human performance, managing human error, and applying
human factors principles to enhance safety and efficiency.

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cont…
Importance of understanding human performance
i. Fundamental to operational safety: Effective human
performance is paramount in the aviation as the majority of
undesired outcomes can be attributed to human factors.
ii. Task management and interface significance: Errors in task
management and the interface between individuals and
complex procedures can lead to unintended errors,
underscoring the critical need to consider human capabilities
and limitations.

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cont…
iii. Prevention of incidents: The importance of human
performance in preventing incidents is evident, as errors
often stem from how human factors influencing performance
are managed.
iv. Focus of human performance training: Human
performance training in aviation is centered on three key
aspects - optimizing human performance, managing human
error, and applying human factors principles to enhance
safety and efficiency.

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cont…
v. Normalizing errors: The human performance philosophy
acknowledges that errors are normal occurrences and
emphasizes building controls to fail safely.
• This principle has been successfully applied in the aviation
industry to understand how human performance influences
safety and efficiency.

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cont…
Factors that affects human performance
• Human performance is a complex interplay of internal
and external influences.
1. Internal factors
• Cognitive abilities: Knowledge, skills, attention,
memory, decision-making, situational awareness.
• Psychological factors: Emotional well-being,
motivation, stress, fatigue, sleep quality, personality
traits.
• Physical factors: Health, fitness, age, sensory acuity,
motor skills.

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cont…
2. External Factors:
• Work environment: Design, safety, workload, resources,
tools, technology, communication.
• Task characteristics: Complexity, clarity, urgency, feedback,
workload.
• Organizational factors: Culture, leadership, training, support,
teamwork, stress management.
• Social factors: Group dynamics, collaboration, expectations,
feedback, rewards.

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cont…
Understanding these factors is crucial for:
• Preventing human errors: Addressing root causes like
fatigue, poor design, or lack of training.
• Optimizing performance: Creating supportive environments,
providing adequate resources, and promoting well-being.
• Designing safe and efficient systems: By taking human
limitations into account.
• Improving training and development: Targeting specific
skills and addressing performance challenges.

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The concept of error in Aviation
• What is an error?
• An error is any deviation from the intended outcome, whether
it's a minor miscalculation by a pilot, a malfunction in a
critical system, or a miscommunication between air traffic
controllers.
• These errors can range in severity, from near misses to
catastrophic accidents

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cont…
Ways errors can creep into aviation systems
1. Human Factors: Fatigue, stress, distraction, and decision-
making biases can all lead to human error.
• Pilots under pressure, air traffic controllers juggling multiple
tasks, or maintenance technicians overlooking a crucial detail
– all these scenarios can introduce vulnerabilities.
2. Technological failures: Even the most advanced technology
isn't infallible.
• Software glitches, sensor malfunctions, or equipment
breakdowns can disrupt operations and lead to serious
consequences.
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cont…
3. Procedural lapses: Deviations from established procedures,
whether intentional or unintentional, can create unforeseen
risks.
• Skipping safety checks, misinterpreting regulations, or failing
to follow proper communication protocols can all be
potential error sources.
4. External factors: Weather phenomena like turbulence or
lightning strikes, bird strikes, or even sabotage can introduce
external disruptions that can trigger errors in the system.

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cont…
Types of human errors
1. Slips and Lapses
• Unintentional errors that occur during routine tasks due to
inattention, memory failure, or distraction.
2. Mistakes
• Incorrect decisions made despite intending to do the right
thing. It can be knowledge-based (lack of information) or rule-
based (misapplying rules).
3. Violations
• Description: Intentional deviations from rules or procedures
due to various factors like time pressure, overconfidence, or
complacency. AEROCONSULT AVIATION TRAINING
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cont…
Preventing Errors
• By analyzing past incidents, implementing safety protocols,
and investing in training and technology, the aviation industry
strives to continuously improve its error management.
• This can be done through:
1. Human factors training: Equip personnel with the relevant
skills to manage stress, make informed decisions, and
communicate effectively
2. Redundancy and fail-safes: Build in multiple layers of
redundancy and fail-safe mechanisms. This could involve
backup systems, automated warnings, and cross-checking
procedures

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cont…
3. Safety Culture: Foster a culture of safety where reporting
errors and near misses is encouraged without fear of blame.
• This will help in identifying and addressing vulnerabilities
before they lead to accidents.
4. Continuous improvement: The aviation industry is
constantly learning and adapting.
• Constantly collect and analyze safety data; conduct
simulations, and embrace the use of new technologies.
• The goal is to create a system that is ever-evolving and
increasingly resistant to errors.

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cont…
Approaches to human error
• Human errors can be viewed through two primary approaches:
the person approach and the system approach .
• Each model has distinct philosophies of error management and
offers different strategies for mitigating errors.
• The person approach focuses on individual behavior and
attributes errors to individuals.
• It emphasizes blaming individuals for errors, often through a
culture of fear and blame .
• This approach can lead to a siloed, blame-oriented
environment that may deter reporting of errors.
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cont…
• On the other hand, the system approach acknowledges that
errors are often the result of conditions or systems in which
individuals work.
• It encourages a broader view of error causation, considering
factors such as organizational structure, work environment,
and available resources .
• This approach promotes a more proactive and preventive
approach to error management.

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Models of human error
Models of human error
• The models of human error encompass various cognitive
processes and approaches to understanding and managing
human fallibility.
• A prominent model is the Swiss Cheese model.
• The Swiss Cheese Model in aviation safety is a framework
used to understand and reduce risk.
• It was developed by James Reason and is based on the
principle of layered defence against failure.

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Models of human error cont…
Swiss Cheese model
• The model is represented as a series of slices of cheese, each
slice representing a barrier against failure.

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• Each layer represents a different level of defense against accidents.
Some of the common layers include:
✓ Organizational influences: Company policies, safety culture, and
resource allocation.
✓ Unsafe supervision: Inadequate training, failure to follow
procedures, and pressure to meet deadlines.
✓ Preconditions for unsafe acts: Fatigue, stress, and substance
abuse.
✓ Unsafe acts and violations: Errors, slips, and deliberate
violations of safety rules.
✓ Latent conditions: Underlying flaws in design, maintenance, or
procedures.
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Key takeaways from the Swiss cheese model
• Accidents are preventable: By addressing the holes in different
layers, we can reduce the likelihood of accidents happening.
• A systems approach is needed: Accident prevention requires
looking beyond immediate causes and considering the broader
context.
• Multiple lines of defense are crucial: No single layer can
guarantee perfect safety; multiple layers working together are
needed to effectively prevent accidents.
• Continuous improvement is essential: We must constantly
learn from past accidents and identify new vulnerabilities in
our systems to improve safety over time.
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Factors that influence human
performance in aviation
• Various factors influence human performance in aviation.
• These are: cognitive factors, physiological factors,
psychological factors and environmental factors.
1. Cognitive factors
• Cognitive factors play a crucial role in determining the
success or failure of any task we undertake.
• They are the mental processes that govern our ability to
Process information: Generate responses Control behavior
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performance in aviation cont…
• Key points to remember about cognitive factors
i. They affect a wide range of mental processes: from basic
attention and memory to complex problem-solving and
reasoning.
ii. They can be positive or negative: some factors, like good
sleep and a positive mood, can enhance our cognitive
abilities, while others, like stress and fatigue, can impair
them.
iii. They vary from person to person: each individual has a
unique set of cognitive strengths and weaknesses, shaped by
factors like genetics, education, and life experiences.

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Factors that influences human
iv. Understanding cognitive factors is important: in many
fields, from education and workplace design to healthcare
and public safety.
• By knowing what influences our thinking, we can create
environments and situations that promote optimal
performance and well-being.

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Here are some examples of specific cognitive factors:
i. Attention: our ability to focus on relevant information and
filter out distractions.
ii. Memory: our ability to store and retrieve information.
iii. Perception: how we take in and interpret information from
the senses.
iv. Decision-making: our ability to weigh options and make
choices.
v. Problem-solving: our ability to identify and solve problems
effectively.

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vi. Language: our ability to communicate and understand
spoken and written language.
vii. Reasoning: our ability to think logically and draw
conclusions.

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2. Physiological factors
• Physiological factors are the internal body processes and
conditions that can influence or even limit our ability to
achieve optimal results.
• They are the internal physical and biochemical processes that
influence our ability to function effectively.
• There impacts includes:
i. Physical capabilities
• Energy levels: Fatigue, caused by sleep deprivation or
physical exertion, can reduce muscle strength, endurance,
and coordination.
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• Musculoskeletal system: Injuries, pain, or limitations in
mobility can hinder physical performance.
• Cardiovascular system: Heart rate, blood pressure, and
oxygen delivery influence stamina, endurance, and recovery
times.
• Nervous system: Sensory perception, motor control, and
reaction times are crucial for physical performance and
coordination.

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ii. Cognitive abilities
• Brain function: Brain energy metabolism, blood flow, and
neurotransmitter levels influence attention, memory, decision-
making, and reaction times.
• Sleep: Adequate sleep is essential for cognitive function,
alertness, and mood, all of which impact performance.
• Stress: Chronic stress can disrupt brain function, impairing
judgment, memory, and cognitive flexibility.
• Nutrition and hydration: Proper nutrient intake and
hydration are crucial for optimal brain function and energy
levels, impacting performance.
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• Sensory limitations: Visual or auditory impairments can
hinder perception and situational awareness, affecting
performance in certain situations.

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Additional physiological factors
1. Age: As we age, physiological changes like decreased muscle
mass and slower reaction times can affect performance.
2. Genetics: Individual genetic predispositions can influence
factors like muscle strength, metabolism, and susceptibility to
fatigue.
3. Environment: Temperature, humidity, altitude, and other
environmental factors can place additional demands on the
body and affect performance.

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3. Psychological factors
• Our minds play a crucial role in determining how we perform
in any situation.
• Here are some key psychological factors that can influence our
success:
1. Motivation
• Intrinsic: Driven by personal interest, enjoyment, and a sense
of purpose.
• Extrinsic: Driven by rewards, recognition, or avoiding
punishment.
• Goal setting: Setting clear, achievable goals can boost
motivation and focus.
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2. Emotional state
• Anxiety: This can lead to negative thoughts, increased heart
rate, and difficulty concentrating.
• Stress: Can impair decision-making, reduce focus, and lead to
fatigue.
• Confidence: Belief in one's abilities can improve performance
and resilience.

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3. Perceptions and biases
• Self-efficacy: Belief in your ability to succeed in a specific
task.
• Optimism: A positive outlook can improve motivation and
perseverance.
• Cognitive biases: Unconscious mental shortcuts that can lead
to errors in judgment.

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4. Personality traits
• Conscientiousness: A tendency towards order, planning, and
achievement.
• Openness to experience: Willingness to try new things and
embrace change.
• Extraversion: A preference for social interaction and
stimulation.

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5. Team dynamics
• Communication: Effective communication is crucial for
collaboration and coordination.
• Trust: Trusting teammates and leaders fosters cooperation and
risk-taking.
• Leadership: Strong leadership provides
direction, motivation, and support.

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4. Environmental Factors:
• Noise: Loud or distracting sounds can disrupt concentration,
increase stress, and lead to errors.
• Temperature and humidity: Extreme temperatures or high
humidity can cause discomfort, fatigue, and reduced cognitive
function.
• Lighting: Poor lighting can cause eyestrain, headaches, and
affect mood and alertness.
• Air quality: Pollution, allergens, and poor ventilation can
irritate airways, trigger respiratory problems, and reduce
cognitive performance.
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• Crowding and personal space: Feeling cramped or lacking
privacy can increase stress, reduce focus, and negatively
impact well-being and performance.
• Natural environment: Access to nature and green spaces can
have positive effects on mood, stress levels, and cognitive
function, potentially boosting performance.

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Automation and technology
Use of automated systems in aviation
• The aviation industry is witnessing a surge in the adoption of
automated systems and autonomous technologies.
• These systems handle tasks that were previously performed
manually by humans.
• Examples include autopilots, automated landing systems, and
flight management systems.

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Automation and technology cont…
New entrants and technologies
• Emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and
machine learning, are transforming aviation.
• Drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), Self-Service
Check-in Kiosks, Automated Boarding Gates, Automated
Ground Support Equipment, and electric aircraft are entering
the airspace.
• These new entrants require careful integration with existing
systems and human operators.

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Complexity and nuanced views of automation
• Automation is not a monolithic concept; it varies in
complexity.
• Different levels of automation (e.g., from basic assistance like
Baggage Conveyor Systems to full autonomy like Robotic
Baggage Handling Systems) exist.
• Address challenges specific to each level and consider their
impact on safety.

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• Integrated Approach
➢ A holistic perspective is necessary.
➢ Collaboration across disciplines (design, training,
operations, maintenance, regulation) is crucial.
➢ Human factors experts, engineers, and regulators must work
together to optimize automation.
• Human-Centered Industry
➢ Despite automation, aviation remains a human-centered
industry.
➢ Pilots and air traffic controllers make critical decisions.
➢ Technology should evolve from information delivery to
decision support for operators.

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Factors Affecting Human Performance.

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FACTORS AFFECTING HUMAN

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