Human Factors

Human Factors

As technical systems grow more advanced and inherently reliable, the human element can often represent the greatest vulnerability. Human Factors Engineering (HFE) aims to optimise design and operational processes by recognising people’s capabilities and limitations. By integrating HFE methods throughout a project’s lifecycle, organisations can minimise errors and reduce the need for later, costly redesigns.

Qualitative Risk Assessment

Qualitative Risk Assessment (QRA) provides a structured, deterministic approach to identifying, assessing, and managing risks in high-hazard industries. It supports the demonstration that engineering designs, safety measures, and operational practices are robust, effective, and aligned with ALARP principles. Using methods such as hazard identification (HAZID), risk matrices, bowtie analysis, and human factors assessment, we help organisations manage complex risks, comply with regulatory and industry standards like ISO 31000, IEC 61511, and Seveso III, and protect people, assets, and the environment across the asset lifecycle.

Simultaneous Operations (SIMOPs) Assessment

Simultaneous Operations (SIMOPs) Assessment identifies and manages the additional hazards introduced when two or more high-risk activities, workgroups, or adjacent facilities operate concurrently. SIMOPs studies help prevent escalation, ensure operational control, and safeguard people, assets, and the environment by defining clear roles, interfaces, and controls.

DSEAR Risk Assessment

DSEAR (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations) assessments are required in UK workplaces handling flammable gases, vapours, mists, dusts, or explosive atmospheres. These assessments instill the ALARP principle, starting with inherent safety, ventilation, ignition control and mitigation. By focusing on both technical and organisational controls, DSEAR risk assessments help protect people (as well as property) from fire, explosion, and related hazards.

ALARP Demonstration

The ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practicable) principle ensures that industrial risks are reduced to a level where further measures would be grossly disproportionate to the additional safety benefit. ALARP demonstration balances risk reduction, cost, and effort, helping organisations choose sensible, justifiable controls. This approach underpins major accident hazard regulations and is embedded in frameworks like the UK Health and Safety at Work Act, COMAH Regulations, Offshore Installations (Safety Case) Regulations, Seveso III Directive, HSE HSG 65, ISO 31000, and ISO 45001.

Safety Cases and Safety Reports

A Safety Case or HSSE (Health, Safety, Security & Environmental) Case demonstrates that a high-hazard facility has identified its major accident hazards, assessed the associated risks, and implemented sufficient controls to reduce those risks to a tolerable or ALARP level. Safety cases are tailored to industry, site-specific, and regulatory requirements, providing assurance to regulators, workforce, and stakeholders that risks to people, the environment, and assets are systematically identified, managed, and continuously monitored. They play a central role in regulatory regimes such as the Nuclear Installations Act, UK Offshore Installations (Safety Case) Regulations, COMAH Regulations, and Seveso III Directive.