Incorporating Human Factors into OMC5 Design and Operations for Improved Efficiency and Technician Well-being

This paper highlights the critical role of human factors in shaping building design and operations, specifically focusing on their integration within the OMC5 project at BCRTC Translink. The study examines how understanding work processes, equipment needs, and stakeholder impacts can drive building requirements and contribute to the success of heavy maintenance operations.The development of the OMC5 concept of operations emphasized the importance of aligning building design with the operational needs of heavy maintenance teams. This process involved the identification of necessary equipment, workflows, and personnel to ensure the facility met the evolving demands of the maintenance cycle. Human factors principles were integrated as a central driver in the design process, enabling proactive planning and ensuring the design supported technician productivity, safety, and overall work efficiency.The study found that by incorporating human factors into the design of OMC5, teams were able to accurately forecast workstation capacities and optimize the equipment overhaul cycle. By addressing process requirements, the project captured the "voice of the customer," distinguishing between stakeholder preferences and core operational needs. Moreover, the integration of ergonomic solutions was identified as a key opportunity to enhance worker well-being while fostering technology adoption.Incorporating human factors into the design of OMC5 not only improved the overall building layout but also shifted stakeholder perspectives. By emphasizing ergonomics, technology integration, and reducing non-value-added activities, OMC5's design improves work conditions for technicians and supports a modern, benchmark-driven approach to heavy maintenance. The project is still in the design phase, with a target opening between 2032 and 2033. This project demonstrates how human factors principles can shape successful, efficient, and worker-friendly operations.