Introduction - Human Factors Focus
Introduction for Leaders (Use Prior to Monday’s Toolbox Talk)
Purpose for Supervisors:
This month, our toolbox talks will focus on Human Factors—how people, systems, tools, environment, and organizational pressures interact to influence performance. The goal is not to fix people, but to better understand work as it’s done and improve the systems that support it.
Key Message to Set the Tone:
Human error is a symptom of a brittle system—not a root cause. Most incidents don’t happen because someone didn’t care or wasn’t trained. They happen when normal human behavior meets system weaknesses, pressure, or uncertainty.
How Leaders Should Frame These Toolbox Talks:
• This is a learning month, not an enforcement month
• The objective is to learn where the system is brittle so that we can begin to improve the system and improve safety performance —when we do this, we are not assigning fault – instead we are learning.
• Speaking up, slowing down, and raising concerns are signs of professionalism – encouraging your team members to do the same is another sign of professionalism.
What to Say to the Team:
“Throughout the month, we’re going to talk about human factors—the things that make work harder or easier. These conversations are about learning and improving how work is designed and supported, not about blaming individuals.” I hope that these toolbox talks will generate good discussion.
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