The role of human factors in transport accident investigation

Abstract

In the immediate aftermath of major transport accidents, there are often calls for blame and accusations of ‘human error’. From the perspective of human factors and ergonomics (HF/E), though, any such errors are the starting point – not the conclusion – of a safety investigation into the deeper, sociotechnical system factors that created the context for the accident to occur. This paper aims to challenge both investigators and HF/E practitioners regarding both the integration and boundaries of HF/E in transport accident investigations. The systems model aligns with the approaches taken by the major transport accident investigation bodies around the world. But there remain barriers in integrating HF/E within investigations, not least around the validity and usability of causal analysis methods. Similarly, although techniques for interviewing witnesses are well served in the literature, there is a gap in the HF/E knowledge base concerning guidance for collecting and analysing evidence relating to human factors in a safety investigation, due to the variable nature of human performance. Such variability can also be at the heart of many positive outcomes aside from accidents and incidents which, whilst seemingly contrary to the very approach of investigating accidents, can also be integrated into a safety investigation. This paper concludes by considering how the HF/E perspective applies to the ultimate output of safety investigations in the form of recommendations.

Keywords: Accident Investigation, Human Error, Human Performance, Methods, Safety, Transport

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1005298