OSH for ENGINEERS

ENGG 1030

Joanne S. Dionela, ChE

17. Human Factors
in Safety
Human Factors in Safety 3

Components of Human Factors:

1. Knowledge - Know How

2. Skill - Can Do

3. Motivation - Will Do

To prevent incidents, it is imperative to make sure employees:

 Know How to do the job safely,

 Can Do the job the safely, and

 Will Do the job safely.

Human Factors in Safety 4

Knowledge: Know How

 Worker has knowledge about the job. A worker should be able to:

1.Describe the sequence of job steps.

2.Identify the potential hazards or accidents associated with each job step.

3.Relate the recommended safe job procedures associated with each potential
accident or hazard.
Human Factors in Safety 5

Skill: Can Do

 The requirement of the job is compatible with the abilities of the employee.

1.Does the worker have the basic ability to perform the tasks or is there a skill
deficiency?

2.Has he demonstrated his ability to do it in the past?

3.Is the skill often enough for retention?

4.Is there a man-machine-environment match up?

Human Factors in Safety 6

Motivation: Will Do

 The worker must be motivated to willingly/voluntarily do the job safely. What are the
motivational outcomes?
1. Is desired performance rewarding?
2. Is desired performance punishing?
3. Is unsafe performance rewarding?
4. Is unsafe performance punishing?

 Behaviour is influenced by its effects.

 In order to positively change the culture, behaviours must positively change.

Human Factors in Safety 7

Positive Behavior Reinforcement

 Positive behavior reinforcement stresses productive performance, safe behavior, and

desirable behavior vs. punishing measures taken to try to stop behavior that is
unproductive, unsafe or undesirable.

Motivational Points:
 Asking employees for their input
 Holding morale-building meeting
 Providing employees with the tools they need to do their work
 Recognizing personal/individual’s needs
 Providing employees with challenging tasks
 Privately recognizing employees for good work
 Fostering a sense of community at your facility
Human Factors in Safety 8

Motivational Points: Individual’s/Personal Needs

 Responsibility  Achievement  Recognition
 Self-reliance  Pride of workmanship  Validation
 Confidence  Contribution  Prestige
 Independent action  Self-esteem  Reinforcement
 Creativity  Excellence
 Involvement  Goal attainment
 Growth
 Personal and professional
development
 Advancement
 Learning
Human Factors in Safety 9

Behavior-Based Safety (BBS)

 A program focused on addressing the components of human factors and changing
the behaviour of workers to prevent occupational injuries/illnesses and create a
positive safety culture.

 It is a scientific way to understand why people behave the way they do when it
comes to safety.
Behavior Observation Process: The “DO IT” Process
1. Define behaviors: Clearly define what is the expected safe behaviours vs unsafe.
2. Observe behaviors: Observe normal worker behaviour when doing the job, as if
no one is observing.
3. Intervene: Openly and personally discuss observations with the worker.
Praise/recognize/positively reinforce safe behaviours, and coach to correct
unsafe acts, do not humiliate/embarrass the worker. Listen to worker feedback as
well.
4. Test the intervention: Conduct follow-up and continue the observation process
until desired behaviour becomes natural/automatic for the worker.
Questions?