Using Human Factors as an Environmental Tool

Human Factors also know as Ergonomics “Human factors is a recently evolved science that focuses on individuals and how the design of things affects them.” (Miller,2002:342)

What is Human Factors???? Human factors can help achieve the goals of Environmental Management System by: - avoiding problems of safety and waste reduction -reducing the risk and costs of accidents and spills -decreasing waste by reducing mistakes in production and manufacturing -improving quality of workspace

The benefits obtained by using human factors or ergonomics -Enhance effectiveness and efficiency in employees activities by improving productivity, reducing errors, and improving convenience of use of equipment and processes. -Enhance human values such as improved safety, reduce fatigue and stress and a overall improved workspace. -Reduce risk to the environment -Design of improved products that are safer

The 11 Key Design Criteria 1.)Compatible with Business Goals 2.)Appropriate 3.)Clear 4.)Simple 5.)Learnable 6.)Discoverable 7.)Comfortable 8.)Adaptable 9.)Natural 10.)Invincible 11.)Consistent

Human Factors Analysis 1.Definition of scope and objectives 2a. Analysis of health And safety, productivity, And/or loss records 2b. Hazard analysis of jobs, Tasks, tools, equipment, and environment 3.Correlations risks and hazards Identify priorities 4. Design and planning 5. Implementing and follow-up

Human error caused: -90% of car accidents -86% of hazardous material spills in % of chemical industry accidents -80% of offshore oil accidents over the last decade -88% of industrial accidents

Accidents caused by human error. -Ocean Ranger, Newfoundland, Ocean drilling platform capsized-vessel lost with all crew -Hinton, Alberta 1986, railway collision-23 died, 71 injured, cost to railway was $35 million was identified as human error.

Harmac Pulp Mill in Nanaimo Source: Google.ca Questions 1.Why would it be critical to focus on human factors in this business? 2. What would be some hazards on the work-site? 3. What could be done to prevent these hazards from happening?

Malaspina University-College Where could human factors or ergonomics analysis be used on Malaspina’s Campus???? Source: Google.ca

Any Questions???????

Resources (2007). Workers are Pawns in Fight Over Tool Ergonomics ENR:Engineers News- Records.259. Sept.27,2007. Academic Search Elite. Board of Certification of Professional Ergonomic. Retrieved Oct.24,2007 From Human Factors and Ergonomics Society. Retrieved Oct.24,2007 From Johnson T.D., (2007). How to stay safe and healthy while at work. Nation’s Health. Oct. 24,2007. Academic Search Elite International Economics Association: Retrieved Oct. 24,2007 From Miller, L., Adams, E., and Wardell,R., (2002). Tools for Environmental Management. A Practical Introduction and Guide. Dixon Thompson: New Society Publishers