Human Factors Integration (HFI) description of ergonomics HFI domains.
Early Human Factors Analysis (EHFA)
Human-related issues are often overlooked in the early stages of a project, and this can have significant cost and performance implications later on. The EHFA is a key methodology, applied during the concept phase of the project lifecycle, to help prevent this. It identifies the human-related issues, plans appropriate strategies to deal with them, and determines the entire HFI programme. The EHFA is an iterative process, which develops as knowledge about the programme evolves.
Human Factors Integration Plan (HFIP)
The HFIP provides a coordinating document for all HFI activities within a project. It is linked to the HFI section of the project management plan and matures as the project develops. It is informed by the EHFA.
HFI Issue Log
The HFI Issues Log identifies all the HFI risks associated with a study, together with appropriate strategies to address them.
Our HFI Issues Log groups risks by HFI domain. Each HFI risk is rated in terms of its likelihood of occurring and the severity of its impact. Strategies to address each HFI risk are then identified. A strategy might address single or multiple HFI issues. Examples of strategies include hierarchical task analysis, workload analysis, human error assessment, training needs analysis.
The HFI Issues Log is continually updated during the course of a study, to record all decisions made in reaching a final outcome.
PERSONNEL
This domain is concerned with the mental and physical capabilities required to be able to train for, operate, maintain and sustain systems.
Air Affairs has significant experience in analysing the behavioural and cognitive competencies required by individuals, teams and collectives to perform their job in a safe and competent manner. We have analysed the competencies required by military personnel operating on land, sea and in the air, and by civilian personnel working in, for example, public transport and nuclear reprocessing plants.
To do this, we use established techniques, such as job and task analysis, knowledge skills and attitudes analysis, to develop a list of hierarchically-structured competencies, together with supporting information relating to performance, knowledge, conditions and standards. This information can then be used to inform recruitment, selection, training and assessment processes.
TRAINING
This domain is concerned with the instruction or education, on-the-job or unit training required to provide personnel with their essential job skills, knowledge and attitudes.
We are a specialist provider of Training Needs Analysis (TNA), information on which is provided on this website. Our TNA studies have addressed both technical and instructional training needs. We typically assess the gap in knowledge and skills resulting from introduction of the new system. We consider the effect of automation on competence retention. We evaluate alternative training strategies and technologies, and assess the instructional competencies and experience needed to support training. We consider training locations, and examine the training pipeline to reduce bottlenecks and improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness. On occasion, we have extended our involvement into course planning and design activities.
The company does not routinely design or deliver training, but we have developed interactive training materials for clients requiring continuity from analysis through to delivery of training. Staff have also designed and delivered short (1-5 day) courses on TNA and human factors subjects, for defence and civilian clients. Most of our staff have experience of working in training roles in academia, defence and commercial organisations prior to joining Air Affairs.
HUMAN FACTORS ENGINEERING
This domain is concerned with the integration of human characteristics into system definition, design, development and evaluation, to optimise human-machine performance under all operational conditions.
Issues addressed by Air Affairs\’ consultants encompass the breadth of human factors engineering. Our work has included:
- Conduct of system interface audits, production of style guides and usability analysis - Conduct of workload analysis studies - Simulation and operational trials to test new concepts and interface designs - Analysis of the use of automation in system design and its potential advantages/disadvantages
We have conducted human factors engineering work in a wide variety of organisational domains including rail, defence and emergency services.
HEALTH HAZARDS
This domain involves activities to identify and address conditions inherent in the operation or use of a system (e.g. vibration, fumes, radiation, noise, shock, recoil etc.) which may cause death, injury, illness, disability or reduce the performance of personnel.
This domain is not currently within our areas of competence. For further information on appropriate suppliers, please refer to the Ergonomics Society website (http://www.ergonomics.org.uk).
SYSTEM SAFETY
This domain is concerned with mitigating to As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP) the hazards occurring as a result of the system being operated or functioning in a normal or abnormal state.
At Air Affairs, we have significant experience in analysing the risks associated with individual and team performance within complex systems. We review incident data, hold interviews with relevant subject matter experts and conduct observational analysis to identify the risks presented by a job.
Risks are analysed using a systematic approach which considers the nature of the risk, the types of errors that may occur and the reasons for the risk occurring. These reasons are grouped into categories – individual, job requirements, working environment, equipment, workplace organisation and training and assessment. This approach ensures that consideration is given to all potential risks associated with a job, and that intervention measures identified are appropriately targeted.
This approach has been used successfully to analyse the risks associated with a range of safety critical roles within the rail and defence industries. For example, a risk analysis of Signal Panel Operators, conducted on behalf of Southern Railways, has directly contributed to significant improvements in their performance and safety record.
ORGANISATIONAL & SOCIAL
This is a relatively recent addition to the HFI domains, developed in response to the increased organisational complexity associated with Network Enabled Capability (NEC). The issues currently encompassed in this domain include shared situation awareness, cultural issues, trust and information sharing, ‘soft’ interoperability, alternative organisational configurations.
Air Affairs has conducted research into shared situation awareness, cultural issues, team structure and function, organisational maturity, trust and information sharing, in defence and safety critical civilian domains.
For example, we have developed a competency framework describing those competencies associated with effective acquisition and retention of shared situation awareness, joint decision-making and collaborative planning, for the UK MoD’s NEC People and Training Campaign.
MANPOWER
This domain refers to the number of people required and available to operate, maintain, sustain and provide training for systems.
Our work in the manpower domain has focused on the identification of the number of instructors and support staff required to address the training need. We have developed a model to facilitate this activity, which considers factors that can affect instructor numbers (such trainee throughput, instructor availability, training days etc.). This model has been used effectively to support several studies.
Our consultants also have experience in the conduct of workload studies, to identify the appropriate number of individuals required to manage the expected workload associated with a job or duty.
Human Factors Integration (HFI), called Human Systems Integration (HSI) in some countries, is a systematic process for identifying, tracking and resolving human-related issues. It is more than the traditional consideration of interface requirements, user workload and physical ergonomics. It involves the identification of, and trade-off between, a range of human-related issues, categorised into seven broad areas, or domains, that could influence operational effectiveness.
Our staff have extensive experience in providing HFI support to major programmes (including
Network Enabled Capability (NEC) for Close Combat, Nimrod MRA4, Type 45 Frigate), working with MoD, large defence companies and civilian organisations.
We have developed bespoke processes for conducting Early Human Factors Analysis (EHFA) and producing Human Factors Integration Plans (HFIP), that can be efficiently adapted for use in defence and civilian environments. We have also created a HFI Issues Log template, that can be
quickly adapted to help identify and track all HFI
risks associated with a capability, from pre-concept onwards.
Further information on each of the HFI domains is available by rolling the mouse over the diagram below.
