Systems safety approach for human performance improvement from a risk management perspective

The U.S. Department of Energy proposed Human Performance Improvement (HPI) as a way to reduce errors from a Human Factors viewpoint. However, to effectively reduce overall system risk—including issues with hardware, software, and organization—a comprehensive Risk Management (RM) perspective is essential. This study positions HPI as an integral part of RM and proposes a unified, three-part process. The proposed HPI process begins at the original design stage. Safety concepts must be fully integrated based on system safety principles. The next step is to implement risk minimization measures during construction and operation, using strategies from risk management. Finally, when failures or errors inevitably occur, cause analysis is performed to identify remaining problems, and countermeasures are taken. When implementing these countermeasures, priority is given to fixing issues with hardware and software first. If those adjustments aren’t possible, measures are then taken at the organizational or team level, shifting the focus away from individual blame. This approach emphasizes that performance must be proactively enhanced to address anticipated problems and improve error detection even after initial setup. The study outlines six key HPI activities for risk minimization. Four of these are part of the planning phase: 1) risk assessment during fieldwork, 2) addressing long-term issues through feedback and executive understanding, 3) risk analysis of safety systems, and 4) maintenance activities. The other two activities are 5) using HPI tools like toolbox meetings during operations, and 6) performing cause analysis, such as the 5 Whys, when problems arise.