People, Technology and Organisation
People employed in industries like aviation, the chemical industry or the health sector, work in complex socio-technical systems. Although technology is domineering today’s work environments, people/employees who work with those complex technical systems whilst being part of social systems proceed to be of primary importance.
Working in complex systems, people are affected by routines on the one hand side and exceptional and crisis situations on the other hand side. The latter require them to make decisions under time pressure that include high and sometimes hazardous risks.
Human Error is the formula to which people refer whilst explaining failures. To eliminate those failures, human performance is often sought to be replaced by technology. However, human beings with their cogitation and creativity continue to be indispensable decision makers.
There is a high demand for concepts that help to apply the “Human Factor” potential in a more effective and safe way.
The Organization
The platform “people in complex working situations” brings together scientists and practitioners from various industries and institutions. Human factors initiatives from a variety of fields including aviation, the chemical industry, the health sector, police force, rescue organisations, psychology and consulting services work together in this interdisciplinary association.
The association has been founded in 1999 and by now includes approximately 150 members mainly from Germany, Austria and Switzerland.