The Human Factor

Ever heard of a 'Human Factors' program?

Most people have not. What the program is for is to determine if a person was the reason for a problem, or if it was the procedure that failed. The basis for this program comes from a VERY large airplane builder. While the program is sound, it is the implementation and follow through that causes problems.

Human Factors in a nutshell: An incident happens. An investigation is started. The person(s) involved have the opportunity to step forward and help identify what went wrong, with no disciplinary action to them. A group meets to discuss the incident, and identify a solution. The solution is put into practise.

Now here is one of the problems with it; while getting people to admit their mistakes is good, disciplining them for breaking the rules must be done or it will happen again. Nip it in the bud, as the saying goes.

Problem number two. Management must support the program at all levels. This includes the HR people that are so good at limiting managements ability to discipline. No support, no program.

Problem number three. The workers must buy into the program also. If this program was not in place when they started, they will resist it at every turn. They also have the past experiences of incidents that went wrong. They will be very skepticle of anything that management says is for their benefit. The flip side to that, they will take advantage of the Human Factors shield so they don't get into trouble. "I came forward, you can't punish me!" they will say.

Want to side-step these problems? Do not give HR the power to over-rule management. HR is there to support management, not hinder them. Also, have a Safety person that knows their stuff. Any Safety person that can gain the trust of the workers will make or break this type of program. Finally, follow through with the program. Many programs are hyped up when they are new, then fall flat over time. Make sure that your program is supported by everyone, if someone in your organization does not support it, they should find new employment.