(38b) Addressing Human Factors in Process Safety – Corporate and Plant Practices

Human factors engineering (HFE) is a scientific discipline concerned with (a) understanding interactions between human and non-human systems and (b) applying rigorous theory, principles, and methods to optimize human well-being and overall system performance. The field spans neuroscience, physiology, and cognitive science, among several other studies. This interdisciplinary nature provides HFE professionals unique opportunities in process safety management to prevent and mitigate dangerous mishaps. This talk discusses how companies can address HFE issues in the context of the Center for Chemical Process Safety Risk Based Process Safety framework. Critical lessons learned and best practices are offered for human factors implementation in capital project designs and existing process plants.