The related paper provides a framework to integrate human factors into management systems. The objective is to assist shipping operators and management to the conditions and systems that influence human actions and decisions, in order to promote safety and excellence across all operations.

Human Factors are the physical, psychological and social characteristics that affect human interaction with equipment, systems, processes and other individuals and work teams. OCIMF principles related to human factors are the following:

-people will make mistakes

-people’s actions are rarely malicious and usually make sense to them at the time

-mistakes are typically due to conditions and systems that make work difficult     

-understanding the conditions in which mistakes happen helps us prevent or correct them

-people know the most about their work and are key to any solution

-plan, tools and activities can be designed to reduce mistakes and manage risk better

-leaders contribute in shaping conditions that influence what people do

-it matters how leaders respond when things go wrong and take opportunity to learn

Skilled and capable crew staff is a cornerstone for safe and efficient tanker operations. OCIMF Human factors focus areas during tankers operations are described here below:

-the role of leadership in defining the culture

-well executed tasks and procedures

-well designed equipment and controls

-skills to respond to emerging situations

-learning before and after things go wrong

The intention is the related KPIs of the aforementioned paper to be included in future editions of TMSA.

Source: https://www.ocimf.org

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