Using cognitive work analysis and the sociotechnical systems approach to improve pedestrian safety at rail level crossings

The sociotechnical systems approach argues that systems with adaptive capacity will be safer. However, this approach may conflict with current practice in safety management. We applied cognitive work analysis to understand the problem of pedestrian safety at rail level crossings and used the findings to evaluate the current design against the values of sociotechnical systems theory. The evaluation was conducted against indicators developed based on the sociotechnical literature and it is concluded that the existing design of rail level crossings does not align with the values. Recommendations for improving the design of rail level crossings are identified and discussed