What are the Human Factors of Railway Systems?
As the rail industry continues to evolve, it is essential to consider the human factors in rail industry systems. At Liv Systems, we understand that a successful railway system is about much more than just carriages and tracks. Our human factors engineering consultancy services focus on the critical role that human factors play in the design and operation of rail systems.
Human factors refer to the interaction between people, technology, and the environment. This includes everything from the design of control systems and user interfaces to the training and competencies of staff.
The operation of a railway system is not solely reliant on technology, but on the interaction between staff, passengers, and the system itself. Even in highly automated systems, human factors play a crucial role in ensuring rail safety. For example, operators and maintenance personnel must understand how to operate and maintain the technology, while passengers must be able to understand how to use the system safely and easily.
Industry bodies such as the UK RSSB, ERA, and the ONRSR recognise this.
Threats from Ignoring Human Factors in Rail Industry
The impact of ignoring human factors integration can be significant:
Time and Budget Issues
Neglecting to consider human factors in railway industry projects can result in missed deadlines, wasted budget, and increased pressure from management. Human factors engineering is critical to ensuring that rail systems are designed and operated safely and efficiently. You must take into account the cognitive, physical, and organisational factors that affect rail workers and passengers. Doing this, project managers and engineers can create systems that minimise errors, accidents, and equipment failures.
Poor Customer Experience
Neglecting to consider human factors in railway industry projects can also lead to poor customer experience. Restricted or shelved technology innovations can increase passengers’ frustrations. Poorly designed user interfaces, confusing signage, and inadequate training programs can make it difficult for passengers to navigate the system. In turn this can lead to reduced ridership and lower customer satisfaction.
We want to help you deliver projects as planned so that neither your management team nor your end users get anything other than a great service. For that to happen, we have to take human factors issues into account.
Common Considerations in Human Factors Integration for Rail Safety
To ensure the safety and efficiency of railway systems, it is important to carefully consider human factors integration. To optimise rail safety, it is essential to consider the following common factors:
Risk of Concurrent Business and Technology Change in Projects
Carrying out business change and technology change simultaneously can lead to risks and challenges in terms of human factors. Employees may struggle to adapt to new technology and work processes, causing stress and reduced productivity. The lack of full training on new systems or the occurrence of mistakes due to confusion or fatigue among employees can also affect rail safety. Changes in technology and processes may also frustrate and dissatisfy customers. To manage these risks and ensure smooth implementation of changes with minimal impact on stakeholders, staff, and customers, it is critical to integrate human factors.
Workforce Challenges in Commissioning Deadlines and Asset Requirements
When commissioning deadlines are tight and asset owner standards and requirements are tough, the workforce can experience significant pressure. These challenges can range from physical strains caused by working long hours and doing repetitive tasks to mental and emotional strains caused by increased pressure and stress. Such strains can affect the productivity, motivation, and wellbeing of the workforce, leading to increased risk of accidents and errors. Part of applying human factors knowledge is to ensure that the workforce can work safely and effectively without being overburdened.
Proportionate Ergonomics Intervention for Equipment and System Standards
When implementing new equipment and systems in the railway domain, it is crucial that manufacturers consider the human factors involved. This includes understanding how the equipment and systems will be used by the workforce. Understanding this is the basis of designing systems that minimise physical and cognitive strain. Ergonomics analysis is a part of this, as it can help to identify potential issues before they become problems. By taking a proportionate level of Ergonomics intervention and testing, it is possible to ensure that the equipment and systems are safe, efficient, and easy to use for the workforce. Failure to do so could result in injuries, errors, and increased levels of stress and fatigue for employees.
Human Factors in Rail Industry Capabilities
At Liv Systems, we’re used to helping project managers and engineering teams to take the stress out of railway projects.
Our in-depth approach aligns with wider programme management methodologies, such as Network Rail’s GRIP or PACE process, and includes skills and experience in the following:
Workload Assessment
Workload is a critical factor in ensuring safe and effective railway operations. But how much is too much? At Liv Systems, we understand the importance of workload assessment in the rail industry. We use our expertise to provide effective solutions to workload-related hazards. We are familiar with the Network Rail workload toolkit. Our experienced team can conduct workload analysis to identify any potential issues related to staffing levels, shift patterns, and task demands.
Human Reliability Analysis
Human reliability analysis is a crucial element in ensuring rail safety. We have extensive experience in conducting human error assessment studies. We can apply the relevant methods and techniques to identify potential human error and minimise the risk of accidents. Our consultants are particularly familiar with the RSSB Rail Action Reliability Assessment (RARA) method. This is widely recognised and accepted within risk assessment. Our team of experts can work with you to apply the RARA method to your risk analysis and identify areas of improvement. Ultimately reducing the likelihood of human error and enhancing safety critical performance.
Workplace and Control Room Design
Liv Systems has extensive experience in designing and assessing control rooms and working environments for the rail sector. We have a deep understanding of the Ergonomics principles and best practices required for effective workstation design. Our team is familiar with both Network Rail standards and international standards such as ISO 11064. Our designs will not only meet the required standards but are also tailored to the specific needs and tasks of end users. In turn this will lead to enhanced efficiency and reduced errors.
Need Human Factors Support with Your Railway Project?
Ready to talk with an expert human factors specialist about how we can help you get on track and handle the human factors in railway industry safety and effectiveness?
Email us at info@liv-systems.com and we’ll call you back with a free, no-obligation consultation.