Aviation Human Factors training should not be a 1 size fits all experience, rather it should tailored to the needs of the organisation in the context of the role and responsibilities of the individual.
As an industry we identified the need for Human Factors Training many years ago, today we have guidance material issued by EASA as to what this training should consist off and to support and assist industry EASA issues this material within the contents of EASA part 145.A.30 – guidance material.
The intention of the material is to supply baseline criteria by which the organisation should comply and use to develop the program with the expectation that all elements essentially should be addressed during the training.
But it is not a compliance statement and unfortunately regulators treat is as such asking to show the training meets the intent of the GM (typically by asking for a cross reference table)! The part that is missing is where the regulator asks this question. “How can you demonstrate that you have analyzed the GM and you are delivering appropriate HF training for your employees based on your organisations need and exposures?”
Unfortunately this question is not asked and we have one more inherent weakness in the armory. If all we do is to develop a HF program which meets the intent of EASA Part 145.A.30 GM we are missing the opportunity to derive significant organisational benefit from an effective HF Training Program.
The best possible HF Training program will integrate the human factors training within the framework of the organisations Safety Management System – SMS.
Consider that the HF exposure created by the role of Manager or Supervisor is very different to that experienced by for example a Line Mechanic or a person working within a component workshop.
So what should we do different?
Firstly to consider the various HF exposures which exist in the various roles throughout the organisation (This information or data should be supported by the hazard identification, risk based analysis and mitigations proposed by the Safety Management System.)
For example the manager who under resources a task creates a pressure (HF) on the worker, which may result in Stress (HF) which could become a precursor for a potential HF event.
It works in fact both ways as we have the opportunity to use our HF training to gather data for the SMS system. Even if we use online as the primary training method it is possible to have follow up meetings or workshops to review and share opinion.
Key areas to consider when delivering HF training include dealing with an adult group in terms of effective education. Ensuring we deliver effective material, finding and agreeing the cause of errors.
Sofema Aviation Services www.sassofia.com delivers Human Factors training for trainers please see our website or email office@sassofia.com
