Human factors is the term used to describe the interaction of individuals with each other, with facilities and equipment, and with management systems. This interaction is influenced by both the working environment and the culture of the people involved. What may be a good system of work in one part of an organisation, may be found to be less than ideal in a region where culturally driven attitudes to risk taking may be significantly different.

Human factors analysis focuses on how these interactions contribute towards the creation of a safe workplace.

Traditionally, the development of Health, Safety and Environmental Management Systems (HSEMS) has concentrated on the facilities and equipment to be used and the management systems themselves. Although human error has been recognised as part of the risk contribution, the root causes associated with particular types of human error have been difficult to address.

This website is aimed at assisting line management and HSE professionals to understand how the HSEMS can incorporate human factor issues. It is an extension to the brochure Human Factors:a means of improving HSE performance which can be downloaded here. It has been produced by the OGP Human Factors working group.