Human Factors in the Chemical and Process Industries

Chapter 8

Human factors in incident investigation

E. Novatsis and J. Wilkinson

Abstract

This chapter explores two key areas: (1) human factors in incident investigation methods and (2) human factors in investigators and investigation teams. The strengths and limitations of mainstream investigation methods are discussed, where human and organizational factors are often not accounted for in a structured and detailed way. How and when to include human factors within an existing investigation method is explained. The skills, attributes, and factors that influence an investigator’s performance are also presented, including how organizations manage investigation capability. Finally, the chapter outlines the prospective potential of investigation capability. ...