Human Performance and ISM
What is Human Performance Improvement, and how can it help me implement Daily ISM?
The Lab's ISM processes serve as an essential framework for planning safe work. However, by themselves, they do not always provide the necessary depth to consistently anticipate, prevent, and recover from errors that lead to injury. This is why a majority of DOE research Labs integrate Human Performance Improvement (HPI) tools into their ISM processes.
"Human Performance Improvement, or HPI, is a strategic approach for improving performance by reducing human error and managing controls in order to prevent unwanted outcomes - and to mitigate their impact should they occur."
- DOE Human Performance Improvement Handbook, Volume I
Key Concepts of HPI
People are fallible and even the most skilled make mistakes
Events can be avoided by understanding the reasons mistakes occur and by applying lessons learned from past events
Error-likely situations are predictable, manageable, and preventable
Individual behavior is influenced by organizational processes and values
People achieve high levels of performance based largely on the encouragement and reinforcement from leaders, peers, and direct reports
HPI is about Detection, Prevention, and Correction
Detection
Identify issues in a timely manner through monitoring and observation - detecting trends early on helps prevent larger-scale issues.
Prevention
Anticipate incidents before they happen. Time and energy spent in preventing issues reduces the effort of correction - and, more importantly - the potential for a safety incident is decreased.
Correction
Investigate problems thoroughly in order to prevent recurrence. Conditions are fully evaluated and appropriate corrective actions are taken in a timely manner.
Human Performance Tools for Every Step of Work
Work Planning
Work observations
Worker Feedback
Quad Charts used after an incident for feedback to the organization
Click here to submit a Human Performance Assistance Request
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