a human factors approach to workplace stf analysis

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A Human Factors Approach to understanding Slip, Trip and Fall

Associate Professor Chui Yoon PingHead of Programme

BSc. Human Factors in SafetySIM University

Change in Elevation

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Hazardous Footwear

Human Factors Approach

Image from: http://mymds.bham.ac.uk/teamworkMatters/images/shutter_factors.jpg

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Human Factors Approach

Image from: https://plus.google.com/communities/116826987897058132757

Human Factors Approach: A SYSTEM APPROACH

Organisation

Workplace and Environment

Tools and Technology

Tasks

human

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Human Factors Approach: Total Human Approach

Image from: http://erniemendes.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/brain_

diagram_cover_copy.326174442.jpg

Human Factors Approach: A SYSTEM APPROACH

Organisation

Workplace and Environment

Tools and Technology

Tasks

humanhuman

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Long-term Memory

Human Information Processing

Short term Sensory Register

Cues: visual, auditory, tactile

Attention Resources

Environment Perception Response Selection

Response Execution

Working Memory

Thought/Decision Making

Receive:Sensing

Decide &RESPOND

Perceive: Attend & Process

What do you see?

http://www.weirdoptics.com/dalmatian-camouflage-illusion/

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Perception

• Unable to perceive ALL information we are

bombarded with – brain is a filter

• We think we have all the information, but

we don’t.

• We may not ‘get the picture’ because:

They are too much information (noise) presented

We are distracted and looking elsewhere

We are not looking where we are supposed to be looking at

Environment is working against us – too dark, lack contrast, etc.

Sometimes information presented are confusing

Perception

Image from: http://www.infusefive.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/perception.jpg

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Is the cat going up or coming down?

Image from: http://9gag.com

Perception

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Perception

Why did he not see the

missing panel?

http://www.mom.gov.sg/workplace-safety-health/resources/factsheets-

circulars/Pages/work-heights-2008.aspx

SLT Hazards often missed

• Damaged steps

• Uneven surfaces

• Damaged mats /

floorings / carpets

Images from: http://www.tidyplace.com.au/services/miscellaneous/

http://www.hse.gov.uk/slips/preventing.htm

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• Loose cables

• Wet floors

Images from:

https://ttusafety.wordpress.com/2013/09/23/office-safety/

www.colinstattoos.com

http://www.continuingcaresafety.ca/resources/photo-gallery-2/


• Poorly lit places

• Congested,

distracting places

• Obstructions

Images from:

http://www.listen2unclejay.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/reason2.JPG

http://www.canville.net/article.html?article=workplace-safety

http://www.elcosh.org/image/279/i001199/1199.html

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Attention

Distractions

Video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4wftx5ZVu0

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Do NOT text and drive

Video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwSuWFF4VKU

Distractions

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/6266846/Royal-Mail-accused-of-misleading-

customers-with-Sorry-you-were-out-cards.html

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Royal_Mail_postman2.jpg

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Inattention in SLT

Image from: https://www.flickr.com/photos/66944824@N05/11329514543/

Long-term Memory

Human Information Processing

Short term Sensory Register

Cues: visual, auditory, tactile

Attention Resources

Environment Perception Response Selection

Response Execution

Working Memory

Thought/Decision Making

Receive:Sensing

Decide &RESPOND

Perceive: Attend & ProcessComprehension:

Sensemaking

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That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand …

Mark 4:12 Image from: http://wmumintl.org/category/word-alive/

Comprehension

Long Term MemoryWhat are blue chip

stocks?

Experience

Training

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Comprehension

Long Term Memory

What is a Risk?What are the

consequences of risk taking?

Experience

Training

Risk Perception

http://teakdoor.com/laos-hotels-and-guesthouses/34987-laos-

vientiane-cheap-nice-hotel-2.html

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Risk Perception

Image from http://curazy.com/archives/46707

Risk Perception

Image from: http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Asia/Russia/Volga/Samara/Samara/photo411222.htm

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Risk Perception

Image from:: http://binscorner.com/pages/w/worlds-most-dangerous-work-places.html

Comprehension

How do we help them build a library or a catalogue of

hazards?

Image from: http://www.shutterstock.com/video/clip-1845031-stock-footage-library-catalog.html

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Situation Awareness

The perception of the

elements in the environment

within a volume of time and

space,

the comprehension of their

meaning, and the projection of

their status in the near future”

Endsley, 1988

Perception

Comprehension

Projection

Noticing events

Understanding

what is

Predicting

what will be

What’s going to happen here?

Image from: http://gentexscaffolds.com/Better-Than-a-Ladder

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Situation Awareness : A working definition

Continuous monitoring of environment, noticing what is going on and detecting changes in the environment.

Forming a good mental picture of the current task and the surrounding work environment.

Result Quick reaction and adaptation to changing situations.

What should you do?

SA: What do you think will happen?

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What should you do?


http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2012/rnn-em-8412.htm

What should you do?


http://www.safetyrisk.net/safety-photos-funny-fails/

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Why do people take risk?

Image from: http://www.laddersafetyhub.com/wp-

content/uploads/2015/01/IMG_0609.jpg


Image from http://www.laddersafetyhub.com/wp-

content/uploads/2015/01/IMG_0609.jpg

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Image from: http://news.domain.com.au/domain/diy/the-essential-

diy-painting-guide-20120215-1t4ya.html


• Too lazy?

• Too tired? Fatigue

• Inherently risk takers?

• Complacent attitude

• Rushing for time

• Penalty for delay / non-completion

• Tight Work/schedule

• Culture of speed

• Meeting deadlines

• Lack of training

• No risk awareness

• Laissez faire culture

•

Work and Organisation Factors

Individual Factors

http://www.safetyposter.com/simpsons-posters/

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An information processing model for Slip, Trip and Fall Analysis

Adapted from: Tim Bentley

The role latent and active failure in workplace STF: AN information processing approach.

Hazard Perception

Yes

No

Hazard Cognition

Yes

No

Decision to avoid

Yes

No

Ability to avoid

Yes

No

Avoid Injury

Unsafe Behaviour

Exposure to hazards

AgeFitness, health, vision

Perceptual skillsRisk taking tendency

Fatigue

Active Failures

Activity / TaskFootwear

Plant EnvironmentEquipment DesignWorkspace Layout

Tasks / Environmental Factors

Production PressureOperational DecisionEquipment decision

Shift schedulingSafety culture

Risk and safety management

Work and Organisation Factors

Weather conditionOutdoor underfoot envUnderfoot trip hazards

Natural/ Uncontrollable factors

Latent Failures

Risk of STF Injury

Individual Factors

Tim Bentley., The role latent and active failure in workplace STF: AN information processing approach.

Applied Ergonomics, 2009

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Mitigate STF Hazards: Perception

• Scan for information –

update mental model

• Pay attention

• Detect changes

• Manage distractions

• Manage attention resources

Images from:

http://www.slideshare.net/wyominginspector/slips-trips-falls-working-surfaces-ppt

http://okusoku.blog.jp/archives/20694446.html

For mobile phone addicts

Image from: http://www.china.org.cn/china/2014-09/13/content_33501513.htm

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Maintaining SA : Comprehension

Workers

• Seek appropriate training

• Identify hazards at work

• Look at past events and learn from it

• Ask if not sure

Employers

• Provide appropriate training

• Establish a good housekeeping environment

• Establish a safe culture

Images from:

http://www.safetypostershop.com/category/ladder-safety-posters/

Maintaining SA : Projection

• Consider likely

outcomes

• Visualizing future

events

• Ask ‘what ifs’

http://www.masterytech.com/

http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/falls.html

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Overcoming Organisation Barriers

Image from: http://www.hazards.org/bs/bswillkill.htm

Overcoming Organisation Barriers

Data Driven • Non punitive reporting• All accidents and incidents

should be reported, analyzed and recorded in the company health and safety data base.

• Analysis should in depth a and systematic

• Practice good record keeping• Accident investigation

followed by immediate rectification

http://presnellonprivileges.com/2013/12/

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Human factors analysis and classification

(HFACS) system

Overcome Organisational Barriers

Management commitment to safety

• Prioritisation of safety (over production)

• Monitoring and supervision– Sufficient management care for

vulnerable operators and conditions

• Proper communication

• Reward safe behaviours

• Joint participation in safety management

• Provide safety resources: Time, training, appropriate gears, equipment, etc.

http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/health-

and-safety/safety-representation/safety-

committees

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BSc in Human Factors in Safety

http://www.unisim.edu.sg/programmes/programme-

details/Pages/BSc-Human-Factors-Safety.aspx

Thank you

a human factors approach to workplace stf analysis

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