The only specialised marine publication in Oceania that focuses on the maritime industry, from super yachts to small craft to large commercial ships, including coastal shipping, tugs, tow boats, barges, ferries, tourist, sport-fishing craft
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on the job The question of human factors BY KARL BRIDGES San Rakino hauling fish There are so many moving parts that it is not easy to do the same job, the same way every day and expect the same outcome. Now, let's think about a few facts: Employees want to make as much money as possible, the company they work for wants to make money, both employees and company want to make money as easily as possible. There is nothing wrong with these principles. We all want food on the table for our families. But there are things that can ruin the chances of making money – illness, job loss, workplace accidents and not being as productive as originally planned. TOTAL MARINE: • Wharves • Jetty and Marina Construction and Repair • Marine Towing • Pile Driving and Drilling • Salvage • Barge and Tug Hire SPECIALISTS IN: Reducing injuries Improving risk awareness Situational awareness Cost savings on projects HFEx Limited Phone: (+64) 9 215 9956 info@hfex.co.nz www.hfex.co.nz VIP.S94 58 Professional Skipper So, we have a basic idea of how and why we work and what can happen to mess up our day. This is where "human factors" enters the equation. Human factors is all about understanding how people and their workplaces operate. Human factors specialists try to ensure people are given the tools and conditions to function safely and efficiently, as well as make as much money as possible. Human factors specialists train in human psychology, physiology, engineering, design and business, and they have a good idea of how people operate in different high risk environments. They also understand the potential mental and physical impacts that may arise as a result of a decision made by a large organisation or central government. It will not surprise readers to know that there are plenty of organisations making good and bad decisions. Some companies have made incredibly bad decisions which have resulted bankruptcy or even the death of an employee. Another couple of facts worth thinking about: The majority of people go to work to do a good job. The employer knows they want to do a good job. Many companies learn the hard way – bad decisions and unsafe workplaces result in angry employees or negative news coverage. We have all heard about Pike River mine and the accusations surrounding its directors. Other companies have been watching and have taken the lessons learnt from this very seriously. Fishing companies recognise that 50 percent of the costs associated with injuries are a result of issues related to poor human factors consideration. If that money could be saved, it means more money for developing the industry, more money to catch fish and more money in the pocket. Maritime organisations are looking to human factors professionals to help understand their workforce and the relationships – good and bad – existing within their organisations so that areas of concern can be addressed. Employers are trying work out what makes their employees tick, what keeps them safe and what can be done to ensure the future of everyone in the organisation. So, don't be too surprised when hearing terms like human factors, ergonomics, workspace design and even sociotechnical systems (try saying that after one beer too many) more often around the workplace. All these ideas are geared towards helping improve the workplace, keeping people safe, happy, productive and engaged. July/August 2013 VIP.S91 E ven though I work in the field of human factors – also known as ergonomics – and have all the relevant qualifications, I know that people know themselves better than I do; they know how they operate, what makes or breaks them, how hard they can work, what risks, if any, they are prepared to take and probably a fairly good idea of how the rest of the crew operates too. When it comes down to it, from their waking moment until the moment of sleep, people just get the job done their own way. It can be anything that throws a spanner in the works. It can be personal, like a recent argument, a bad night's sleep, some lunatic car driver on the way to work, or even a team not winning last night's match. It could be work related, like the company environment, the boss, a colleague, the equipment or the weather conditions. TOTAL FLOATS: Design, Supply and Installation of all Floating Structures: Marinas – Commercial and Private Wharf Pontoons Phone 09 818 1541 • Fax 09 818 9451 www.totalmarineservices.co.nz www.skipper.co.nz