Human Factors
This has been an interesting week for a number of reasons, understanding first hand what real heat is Bahrain has been in to the mid 40s all week with a couple of days above that, trying to work in that heat and the humidity that can go with it. I have survived, but as I have been putting a presentation together on Human Factors and what they mean to a company that is joining my industry!
Human factors, as everybody who knows is the study of behaviour and characteristics we present, it is also the way in which the environment or other external influence may influence our behaviour. In my case I have proved that human performance degrades in intense heat; 3-4 hours outside an air-conditioned office climbing over, under, in and about an A330 for a Certificate of Airworthiness renewal survey. I made sure that I had plenty of water and kept drinking. Seriously, it was obvious at the end I was slower than I was to start with.
Physical influences like temperature and humidity are relatively easy to see and feel and to take appropriate countermeasures drinking enough water, staying out of direct sunlight and applying sun-block. What is more difficult to identify and counter appropriately are the affects of fatigue, stress and over-work; it struck me as I was working on the presentation at 10pm and that I needed to eat that perhaps I was a victim of the very subject I was working on! Needless to say I stopped had a meal and tried to relax.
These less noticeable human factors can and are as debilitating as the obvious effects of the environment, heat, humidity, cold etc. If I can let it happen to me, and I am allegedly trained in understanding and identifying the effects in those that work for me, it can happen to anybody! Importantly, human factors can affect any industry, it not something that those of us in aviation have kept for ourselves, we will share with any industry!
Watch our for yourself and your teams, it will get you when you do not expect it!
Having taken my Human Factors refresher a week ago, I am reminded of the environment that we live and work in here in the UAE, very similar to Bahrain. Temperatures will only rise as we approach July and August to the high 40s and the Summer rush only means more flights on hot congested tarmacs. more physical work, in a hot and humid environment, on hot surfaces. This is the time when Managers and Supervisors should plan their work schedules with Human Factors in mind. Safety and on time performance do not happen when people are tired and stressed.
Oussama
What you say is correct, it is the time of year when all supvisors and management look at what thgey are scheduling. It is notjust applicable in areas where it is known to be hot and humid, but also in those areas where high temperatures are not the norm and people will be caught out.
Thanks for contributing!
Malcolm
Having spent a couple of years living in Dubai, I can empathise with you entirely. Coincidentally, we have been having a discussion about human factors in relation to the use of MRO software, though the same could be said for any ‘tools’ of the trade. If we are to get the best out of people, we need to provide a conducive working environment, whether that is the physical environment or the tools that people use, as managers that should be one of our highest priorities.
Take a look at our blog for more on human factors & MRO software http://www.conduce.net/Blog.aspx?f=Simple-MRO-Software
Wayne
I have been following the discussions on simpler MRO software, I couldn’t agree more, something needs to be done to make it work for the individual and not the software provider. Difficult or frustrating software can become a “Human Factor” jsut the same as any other external influence! I will keep watching it!
Malcolm
I have a friend whose son is in Bahrain with the Navy. He is always telling us about the environmental differences and how it affects everything and everyone around. It affects machinery as well.
Michelle
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