What is the main purpose of post-accident human factors analysis?

The main purpose of post-accident human factors analysis is to understand the human performance issues that contributed to the accident. This type of analysis focuses on identifying how various human factors—such as decision-making processes, communication errors, situational awareness, and stress—impacted the actions of individuals involved in the incident. By examining these factors, investigators aim to pinpoint specific behaviors, environmental conditions, and organizational influences that may have played a role in the accident.

Understanding these human performance issues is crucial for several reasons. It helps to provide insights into the cognitive and perceptual processes under stress or in challenging situations, leading to a deeper comprehension of how these factors interact with technical and organizational elements. Ultimately, this understanding allows for the development of effective interventions and changes in training, procedures, and safety culture that can mitigate future accidents.