Systems safety approach for Human Performance Improvement from a risk management perspective

The concept of Human Performance Improvement (HPI) has been proposed by the U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) which focuses on reducing errors in target systems from a Human Factors perspective. However, to reduce overall system risk, including hardware or organizational problems, in a balanced manner, a comprehensive view from a Risk Management (RM) perspective is essential. To enhance overall plant safety, we believe it is crucial to incorporate a Risk Management (RM) perspective and establish a method to reduce both design-related risks and operation-related risks in a balanced way. For this reason, this study positions HPI as part of RM and redefines a unified procedure. To minimize risks in complex systems, the following HPI process is proposed: It is crucial to address them during the original design process, ensuring that the safety concept is thoroughly incorporated into the system based on systems safety principles before operation. The next step involves implementing risk minimization measures, which are implemented based on risk management strategies during the construction or operation stages. In response to problems that remain even after advance measures, specifically risks that arise during the use of equipment or processes, failures or errors are detected through cause analysis, and appropriate countermeasures are taken. When implementing countermeasures, it is most important to provide feedback to hardware, followed by software. If these adjustments are not possible, countermeasures should be taken at the organizational or team level, rather than attributing blame to individual errors. In summary, it is essential to enhance performance to address anticipated problems and to improve error detection even after the setup phase. There are six key Human Performance Improvement activities for minimizing risks. Effective risk minimization must start in the planning phase, which includes four types of risk management activities: 1) risk assessment by practical engineers during fieldwork planning, 2) addressing long-term issues through feedback from various risk assessments within the plant and executive understanding, 3) risk analysis of the safety system, and 4) maintenance activities for the operational system. Others include 5) the effective use of Human Performance tools, such as toolbox meetings during runtime, and 6) performing cause analysis (e.g. the 5 Whys) when problems occur.