Introduction to Human Factors SYSTEMS Critical Task Analysis (SCTA): Going beyond safety

Piper Alpha disaster

In a world where efficiency, productivity, and excellence are paramount, organisations are constantly seeking methods to optimise their processes, streamline operations, and meet their objectives. One such approach is SYSTEMS Critical Task Analysis (SCTA). CTAs are most typically used for safety assessment.  Systems CTA extends this focus to other applications such as enhancing efficiency, improving quality, and optimizing processes.

Communication, Technology and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR)

Picture of a group of people watching the VAR

There was a big refereeing error in the match between Tottenham and Liverpool and Liverpool at the weekend (1st October). A Liverpool goal was ruled out for offside by the on-field refereeing team. In the English Premier League, there is a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system which allows on-field decisions to be scrutinised by a group of officials with access to video technology.

Top 5 takeaways from doing HTAs

Spilled coffee.

Having participated as a facilitator in our in-house Human Factors Safety Critical Task Analysis (SCTA) course, as well as taking part in various SCTA workshops for around two years, I thought I would share my top 5 takeaways from doing and teaching HTAs. 

What makes human factors critical task reviews (HFCTR) flourish or stall?

The Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) regulations, governing UK process plants, requires the use of Human Reliability Analysis techniques such as Human Factors Critical Task Review (HFCTR) for COMAH critical tasks. The process of HFCTR involves a task analysis, human failure analysis and Performance Influencing Factors (PIF) analysis of a safety critical task.