Human Factors Investigation Methodology

There are many tools for assessing the Human Factors (HF) of accidents. Although these tools can aid the classification of factors in military accidents, they do not completely support the military investigation process. The RAF has therefore adapted the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS) to develop a new Human Factors Investigation Methodology. This methodology combines some of the HFACS categories with the military operational process, providing a timeline to plot when accident factors may have emerged and a source framework to plot whether the factor emerged at the organisation, supervisory, task, equipment, environment or operator level. The benefit of the methodology is that it helps identify at which point the factor influenced one of the four key accident events; hazard entry, recovery, escape and survival, thus facilitating more effective recommendations. As it is generic, the methodology can be used for any investigation type, including preventative investigations