Human Factors in Rail
Risktec has significant experience of integrating Human Factors (HF) to support the development, upgrade, operation, and maintenance of railway systems in the UK and internationally.
Risktec’s HF team has practical experience working across all stages of the design lifecycle and a proven track record of meeting the challenges of specific projects. The team uses validated tools and techniques to ensure systems are optimised to support user needs and maintain safety.
Our areas of expertise
- Mainline / metros / trams / light transit
- Rolling stock – passenger, freight
- Road-rail vehicles
- Signalling and communication
- Station design
- Maintenance – depot, track and wayside
- Infrastructure
Our services
- Physical ergonomics assessment
- User trials in mock-ups, simulators and on-train
- Control room assessment
- Workstation design
- Human Machine Interface (HMI) development
- Alarm strategy design and assessment
- Wayfinding
- Accessibility reviews
Our Experience
- Human Factors Integration (HFI)
- Standards and guidance development
- Maintenance assessment
- Task analysis
- Human error analysis (HEART, THERP, RARA)
- Workload analysis
- Training needs analysis and competency management
- Safety culture and behavioural safety
Human Factors rail projects
Examples of previous Human Factors rail projects conducted by Risktec’s HF team are outlined below.
Rolling stock
- Risktec supported the development of train cab designs for four new classes of passenger rolling stock.
- Risktec completed a review of driving cabs to identify potential for human error due to the introduction of a new fleet and provided design recommendations to improve safety.
- Risktec developed requirements for the improvement of real time onboard visual information for passengers.
Stations
- Risktec integrated human factors into the design of telecommunications equipment for new railway passenger stations in the UAE.
- Risktec provided human factors support to the design of station manager offices for a metro system in the UAE.
Signalling
- Risktec provided support to a signalling migration scheme, involving the commissioning of new sections of line and the change of line control to a new location.
Infrastructure
- Risktec conducted ergonomic analysis, including user trials, on the design and use of cross-passage and plant room doors for a high-speed rail tunnel.
- Risktec supported a study into the provision of clearances around train windows to avoid staff and passengers coming into contact with railway infrastructure.
Workforce
- Risktec undertook research to understand the barriers and enablers to strengthen the reporting of safety concerns by railway track workers. A good practice guide was developed as part of the work
- Risktec used a Safety Climate Tool to assess safety culture and skills gap analysis to assess the competencies and capabilities of senior managers in a passenger train operating company.
Training
- Risktec developed and delivered training in Human Factors Methods and Tools in the design lifecycle. The training was targeted for HF professionals working in the rail industry.