The Case For Human Factors in Industry and Government Report of a Workshop (1997) / Chapter Skim
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LESSONS FROM THE WORKSHOP
LESSONS FROM THE WORKSHOP
Pages 19-30
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From page 19... ...
Workforces in both the private anti public sectors are being cut, encouraging greater collaboration among workers, and increasing their reliance on technology changes that rely on human factors expertise for effective implementation. The military, for example, is reducing the 19
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From page 20... ...
Human factors professionals still must articulate and demonstrate the value of bringing in the right kinds of people and effectively using their expertise. The rest of this section identifies key points drawn from workshop discussions regarding resource commitments, resource mobilization, strategies for advancing human factors, anti packaging the outputs of human factors, it en(ls with a note on continuing issues in the field.
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From page 21... ...
Human factors experts not only must be able to identify particular areas where safety improvements could be made, but also must be prepared to demonstrate, in clear and specific terms, how their involvement will appreciably improve the existing situation. They must take into account both the human side of the equation a healthier, safer, happier workforce and the monetary side, such as cost savings due to fewer absences, lower medical fees, reduced insurance and workers' compensation costs, and fewer lawsuits.
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From page 22... ...
Nevertheless, human factors professionals shoul know how to produce cost-benefit analyses because organizations like to see them and often find them persuasive. It is also Advocacy for human factors will essentially boil down to the simple statement that this is a mature technology that can generate profit.
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From page 23... ...
Doug/as Harris opinions darter about whether human factors specialists operate most effectively in a self-contained division or as part of a multidisciplinary team. Some companies have a distinct division for human factors, which provides a clear place where people can go for expertise and helps to maintain a unified approach and identity, especially in times of tight budgets.
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From page 24... ...
~ . ,~ ~ ~ tact, the human factors discipline is moving toward a "sociotechnical" approach, which designs integrated strategies for improving organizational capacity.
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From page 25... ...
This kind of knowledge can help the experts tailor their strategies to specific audiences, customers, and individuals. For example, a vice president of human resources who has trouble filling jobs might like to know how human factors can help reduce absenteeism and retain a skilled workforce.
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From page 26... ...
Indeed, a welcoming culture often begins with a strong commitment to human factors among executives and senior management. The military experience illustrates how leadership attitudes toward human factors can send signals through an organization.
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From page 27... ...
In fact, it is often the human factors people who initiate ideas and innovations for defense systems. Deliver Short-Term Payoffs Successful human factors specialists believe that a good way to establish user trust is to deliver a series of short-term payoffs, such as designing useful products at a regular pace.
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From page 28... ...
Tools embedded in computer-aided design programs can alert engineers to potential human factors problems, answer critical questions, and help designers make wise decisions. Human factors research has also produced techniques and processes to help organizations build their own repositories of human factors knowledge.
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From page 29... ...
CONTINUING ISSUES The workshop raised several issues including some fundamental questions about the nature of the field of human factors that could not be covered in the time available. They are certain to be the subjects of continuing discussion as the role of human factors in industry and government expands.
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From page 30... ...
products may have a wider latitude from its users or funders to conduct basic science. Regardless of how divisions are organized, human factors professionals who focus on the applied side can still contribute to and advocate for basic research.
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