These information sheets provide information on how human factors can contribute to a sequence of events that lead to a major incident and how the inclusion of human factors can assist major hazard facility operations. 

Case study chemical release

This case study is based on the fire and a series of explosions that occurred in 2004 at the Formosa Plastics Corporation, Illiopolis, Illinois and shows how human factors can contribute to a sequence of events that lead to a major incident. 

• Information sheet 

Five principles of human performance

This information sheet outlines the five principles of human performance and why these principles should be incorporated into the design of systems, equipment, workplaces and processes.

• Information sheet

Integrating human factors into bowtie analyses of major accident events

This information sheet will assist major hazard facility, petroleum and geothermal energy operations with the inclusion of human factors in bowtie analyses.

• Information sheet

Integrating human factors into major accident event investigations

This information sheet provides guidance to assist major hazard facility, petroleum and geothermal energy operations in improving their ability to incorporate human factors into their investigation processes.

• Information sheet

Usable procedures

This document provides guidance to assist operators in developing accurate and usable procedures.

• Information sheet

Case study: gas well blowout and fire

This case study is based on the explosion and fire at the Pryor Trust Well in Pittsburg County, Oklahoma in 2018. This major accident event had catastrophic consequences as five workers were killed.

• Information sheet

Case study: petroleum refinery explosion

The aim of this case study, which is based on the BP America (Texas City) refinery explosion in 2005, is to show how human factors can contribute to a series of events that lead to an accident.

• Information sheet