Human Factors

What is Human Factors?

We are all human – yet different people have differing knowledge, skills, experience, attitudes, and abilities. We can all be influenced by our environment and the people around us, some get tired, some get distracted and some people think they can crack on and get the job done!

Human Factors (HF) has been studied for a long time, the more we learn about humans and the performance influencing factors (PIFS) that shape us, the safer the working environment can be. HF spans across a wide range of different and diverse industries such as; aviation, rail, healthcare and chemical engineering.

The study of Human Factors looks at:

The human
The job
The working environment
The organisation

Human Factors is about getting the best out of humans and making the workplace a safer place for everyone.

Understanding Organisations

Leadership

Reviewing Incidents

Understanding People

Learning

Optimising Human Performance

Why is Human Factors Important?

The study of Human Factors is important as humans design, build, maintain and operate every aspect of the global aviation system. The performance of the aviation system, including its safety performance, depends on the performance of humans.

Due to the risks associated with building, maintaining, supporting and operating within the aviation system, it is vital we understand how Human Factors (HF) can affect the people involved in the system at all levels. To reduce the HF risk, we must influence attitudes and behaviours across the industry and apply a HF and Systems Thinking approach into our work. By taking this approach, we aim to improve aviation safety and keep the interests of the consumer at the heart of our work.

How does Human Factors work within the CAA?

Human Factors at the CAA is directed by the HF action plan and HF strategy, these documents are produced by the Human Factors Programme Team, this team consists of the Human Factors Programme Lead, a HF Specialist and a Systems Thinking Specialist. The team is also complemented by the Human Factors Focal Group who are from various business areas within the CAA. The HF Focal group promote and support the HF action plan within their business area.

HF Programme Team key responsibilities

Through oversight we identify the HF risks within industry
We provide training and support to business area and external stakeholders
We provide scoping for HF projects
We research and support with policy

Careers in Human Factors

Human Factors is a system wide discipline, a lot of HF professionals ‘stumbled’ into the HF world whilst working elsewhere in the system, for example our current team have backgrounds as Cabin Crew, Flight Operations and Aircraft Engineering/Maintenance.

The Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors has a great page that include introductory courses, degree courses and career stories from professionals in the industry.

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