Integrating human factors into occupational accident investigation: a literature review of methodologies and their applications

J. Lezdkalne

University of Latvia, Aspazijas blvd. 5, LV-1050 Riga, Latvia
*Correspondence: jelena.lezd@inbox.lv

Abstract:

Introduction: Accident investigation is essential in safety management, aiming to identify causes and prevent recurrence. Despite various methodologies, gaps remain in information collection and human factors integration. Since data collection is the foundation of investigations, deficiencies can compromise conclusions. This study reviews literature on human factors, focusing on their integration into investigation of occupational accidents. The review explores the nature of human factors and investigation methods that address cognitive, psychological, and organisational dimensions. The study also proposes an integrated investigation flow that combines these methodologies to enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of accident investigations.

Methods: A literature review was conducted using academic databases. Keywords included ‘accident investigation’, ‘human factors’, and ‘occupational safety’. Inclusion criteria focused on articles, books, and reports from 1990 to 2025, covering topics of interest and safety-critical industries. Relevant literature was screened and analysed based on its contributions to the research topic. Key investigation methodologies were analysed for their strengths and limitations.

Results: The study revealed a multitude of methodologies available, each with its own set of strengths and limitations. HFACS, HEART and FMEA methods were analysed for their potential to systematically integrate human factor. While these methodologies demonstrate significant promise, their implementation remains inconsistent due to challenges related to training, organisational culture, and resource allocation.

Conclusions: This review emphasizes the importance of integrating human factors into accident investigation methodologies to enhance workplace safety. While traditional methods remain valuable for their accessibility, systemic approaches are essential for addressing complex socio-technical systems. Future efforts should prioritize investigator training and promotion of positive organisational culture to mitigate human factor challenges and improve investigative outcomes.

Key words:

human factors, investigation models, occupational accident investigation, safety-critical industries

Ergonomic modelling parameters and the influence of ergonomics on planning workplaces

D.G. Maksimov¹* and H. Kalkis²

¹Udmurt State University, Institute of Economics and Management, Universitetskaya street 1, bld. 4, RU426034 Izhevsk, Russia
²Riga Stradins University, Faculty of European Studies, Dzirciema street 16, LV 1007 Riga, Latvia
*Correspondence: maksim.dan.gen@gmail.com

Abstract:

Modern economic research divides all economics into structural levels: mega-economics, macroeconomics, meso-economics, micro-economics, and nano-economics. From the point of such traditional divisions, the research is topical in the primary economic structure of society – nano-economics – and thanks to this work operations can be subdivided into workplaces in the form of transformation processes. The aim of the research is to develop ergonomic modelling parameters and to discover the influence of ergonomics on the planning of workplaces based on a case study. The research involved a study of workplace ergonomic planning methods and principles. Solutions for a series of problems which are related to the improvement of workplace ergonomics may be discovered in the following ways: improving work organisation in every workplace by using work process-related micro-elemental methods and a determination of work expenditure, the levels of physical strenuousness involved in the work, the complexity of the work, and the social importance of the workplace. These parameters will allow the workplace quantity characteristics to be discovered, such as in terms of a generalised parameter which conforms to the requirements which describe a workplace, and in terms of operational management via the condition of workplaces and the salary systems being utilised. The research provides a case study in which ergonomic modelling parameters are developed and concrete workplace interventions are introduced.

Key words: