Human Factors
Humans are very adaptable in a very wide range of circumstances. We are adaptable because we find it easy to learn new things. The objective of the Human Factors (HF) department is to minimise the impact of human error and maximise safe human performance. This is achieved through the application of best practice within the four work streams defined below:
1. Design:
- Do we have the right equipment to do our jobs?
- What errors are likely and how can they be minimised?
2. Training:
- What training is needed and when?
- How should training be evaluated?
3. Staffing:
- What skills are needed?
- How do we get the people we need?
4. Organisation:
- How can we change things around?
- What management style will work the best?
NATS HF professionals draw on a large number of fields of study; from the Life Sciences, Psychology, Technology and Management. These areas have produced many theories, frameworks, knowledge, data, methods and tools. Whatever the requirements of a NATS project in terms of these methods and tools, they need to be interpreted. The role of the HF department is to provide this interpretation in language our customers can easily understand.
A key part of the HF discipline is to look across many organisational activities. It is therefore possible to notice recurring themes and problems across the business that demand fixing. The HF department must therefore deliver recommendations that lead to safe and effective solutions across a number of business areas.