 |
||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
SOFTWAREThe Human Factors Workbench: A comprehensive tool for supporting human factors analyses The Human Factors Workbench (HFW) suite is an integrated set of human factors tools designed to support a wide range of analyses that are typically carried out in safety critical systems in the healthcare, chemical processing, aviation, power generation and other industries. These tools have been applied extensively in many projects over the past 15 years and have been shown to make substantial contributions to safety and efficiency. By providing an integrated software environment, the HFW allows analysts to combine the results of a number of techniques when carrying out an overall analysis. Click here to go to a technical paper that describes the functions available in the HFW in more detail The following tools are provided by modules in the HFW: Hierarchical Task Analysis module (HTAM) HTA is a method for systematically documenting tasks to provide a basis for the development of training, procedures and risk assessments. HTAM breaks tasks down into a graphical representation of overall task goal, subtasks and the steps within these subtasks to the level of detail required for the application. This can then be converted to a table, suitable as the starting point for procedures, training development and risk analyses performed by the second Human Factors Workbench module PHEA. Predictive Human Error Analysis (PHEA) module PHEA is analogous to the HAZOP technique used in engineering. The steps in the task analysis developed using the HTAM module are evaluated by applying a set of applicable guide words to assist the analyst in identifying possible failure modes. The consequences of these errors are then explored, and if these are severe, the analyst then documents the appropriate error prevention strategies. Typical failure modes considered are: Sequential Timed Event Plotting (STEP) module STEP provides a method for plotting the sequence of events in an accident, to understand the interactions between people and hardware that gave rise to the accident. The software allows the accident sequence to be constructed by linking events together to show how they led to the ultimate outcome. The STEP module allows the analyst to construct the accident sequence and to export the analysis to other applications in the Human Factors Workbench For example, the factors that influenced the critical events can then be analysed using the MITRE module (see below). Measurement and Investigation technique for Reducing Errors (MITRE) Mitre provides a method for assessing the factors that influence the likelihood of human error in a situation, based on a model of human error for the type of task being evaluated. Thus for maintenance tasks, factors such as operator competence, level of fatigue, level of distractions, overall workload, quality of procedures/checklists, design of equipment would be included. MITRE can be applied in a number of ways when used with the other techniques in the Human Factors Workbench. For example, in the Predictive Human Error Technique, MITRE can be used to assess that factors that influence the likelihood of the possible errors and their consequences, and thus develop methods for prevention. MITRE can also be applied in the STEP accident investigation tool to investigate the factors that influence the errors that were involved in the accident sequence. Costs The costs for the HFW modules are as follows: Hierarchical Task Analysis £250 These prices are for a single user licence, and include one year of updates and email support. Discounts are available for larger numbers of licences as follows: 1-3 No discount Quotations for unlimited site licences are available on request. |
|||