Combining VR Technology and Human Factors Methods for Supporting Risk Analysis

Purpose Railway-level crossings (RLCs) are the point of intersection between rail and road users and are therefore hotpots of road-rail user conflict and catastrophic collisions. The purpose of this study is to assess the risks associated with RLCs and suggest probable reduction measures. Through questionnaires and visual inspection, the authors identify the safety risks, hazards and hazardous events at some railway crossing of Addis Ababa light rail transit (AA-LRT) north-south (N-S) route. The identified risky events are then categorized based on As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP) principle and generic risk ranking matrix. The authors then examine existing safety management measures at railway crossing and assess the need for additional safety management. Five major crossings on the 16.9 km (10.5 mi) N-S line, starting from Menelik II Square to Kality, were considered for the study. This study is carried out by data collection from about 145 stakeholders and the application of statistical data and risk analysis methods. The major findings of this study and the recommendations for improvement are suggested. Design/methodology/approach The research followed a case study approach. Through questionnaires and visual inspection, the authors identify the safety risks, hazards and hazardous events at some railway crossing of AA-LRT N-S route. The identified risky events are then categorized based on ALARP principle and generic risk ranking matrix. Collected data was then analyzed using SPSS to deduce relationships. Findings The study findings reveal human factors as the greatest cause of accidents, injury or death. About 22% of hazards identified by category are human factors, whereas 20% are because of technical problems. Intolerable risks stand at 42%, whereas the tolerable risks are at 36% according to risk classification results as per the ALARP model. Because the process of risk management is a long-term cycle, its importance should not be missed at any time. Research limitations/implications Because of design considerations of RLCs and the difference in generalized human behaviors for people of a given region, the results are limited to AA-LRT RLCs. This study opens a discourse for detailed evaluations, qualitative and quantitative analysis into the categorized identified hazards. There is also room for additional research into the performance of RLCs aimed at formulating standard necessary features that should be included on RLCs for proper risk control especially in emerging economies. Originality/value The research paper is original and has not been submitted for consideration to other journals.

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Using Role-Playing Simulations to Teach Quality Control in the Design of Medical Devices

Proceedings of the Canadian Engineering Education Association (CEEA) ◽

10.24908/pceea.v0i0.9696 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

J. Christopher Bouwmeester ◽

Vicki Komisar ◽

Arushri Swarup

Keyword(s):

Quality Control ◽

Risk Analysis ◽

Human Factors ◽

Medical Devices ◽

Regulatory Agency ◽

Teaching Assistants ◽

Role Playing ◽

Team Based Learning ◽

Individual Accountability ◽

A Company

Abstract – A simulation is used to facilitate cooperative and team-based learning to introduce concepts of human factors, risk analysis, and quality control applied to the design of medical devices. We further use a friendly game-based approach to simulate the dynamics between a customer, a regulatory agency, and competitive manufacturers. Students are divided into manufacturing teams/companies and teaching assistants act as the customer and regulator. To promote positive interdependence and individual accountability, each student within a company is assigned roles of CEO, inspector, marketer, and designer. The goal for each company is to design and produce as many eye patch medical devices as possible, which must be approved by the regulator, within a tight deadline. Products are evaluated by the customer, who decides what price to pay for each unit, at the end of production. The most successful company is determined by the greatest amount of money earned after two rounds of production and sales.

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The Human factors in the Hybrid Risk analysis approach: FTA, BTA and HRA integrated approach applied to assess the influence of human error to the risk of Plant shutdownerror to the risk of Plant shutdown

Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal ◽

10.14738/assrj.310.2275 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 3 (10) ◽

Author(s):

Eduardo Calixto

Keyword(s):

Risk Analysis ◽

Human Factors ◽

Human Error ◽

Integrated Approach ◽

Analysis Approach ◽

Plant Shutdown

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The Breaks of Progress

Mechanical Engineering ◽

10.1115/1.2004-mar-2 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 126 (03) ◽

pp. 32-35

Author(s):

Barbara Wolcott

Keyword(s):

Risk Assessment ◽

Risk Analysis ◽

Human Factors ◽

Cold Environment ◽

Look Back ◽

Managing Risk ◽

Past Experiences ◽

And Control

This article reviews risk analysis that involves the estimation or calculation of possible failures and then the possible consequences of those failures. Some tools involve the study of probable results of combined abnormal environments, such as fire with crush and puncture at a time when the item of concern is in a very cold environment. The record of past experiences can be both a look back at a disaster and a look forward to managing risk. With a necessarily strict approach to risk assessment as it is applied to nuclear armament, the final matrix is that of surety: safety, reliability, security, and control of human factors and access. Engineering advances will always result from dreams and aspirations of practitioners in the field. If no one attempts the unknown, the store of knowledge and experience will forever be capped at present levels.

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