Safety-critical industries have been beset with a number of issues associated with the introduction of automated systems, most of which relate to human performance and error. Whether it’s the design of a new control room, the introduction of fatigue-related rostering technology or advanced alerting / alarming systems; the application of human factors requirements can minimise human error, optimise human performance and reduce overall project costs.
The author presents a case-study on the creation of a guidance document for a leading Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) providing air traffic control services in the Asia Pacific region. The document is designed for human factors practitioners and project managers in the effective and safe implementation of automated systems. Key guiding principles, example requirements and lessons learnt are provided that apply to the full spectrum of safety-critical and high-risk industries.
Being the first such example of a comprehensive automation design and implementation guidance within these industries (to the author’s knowledge), the work represents both a novel and beneficial approach for practitioners and project staff alike.