Determining the error producing conditions in marine engineering maintenance and operations through HFACS-MMO

The error producing condition (EPC) values are decisive parameters of human error assessment and reduction technique (HEART). In order to conduct more effective and accurate safety analysis, the EPC values should be customized in accordance with the key aspects of the relevant disciplines. Since the maintenance and operational tasks in the ship engine room involve a vast number of particular actions, this study extends the current shipboard operations human reliability analysis (SOHRA) method by proposing marine engineering maintenance and operations specific error producing conditions (mmo-EPCs) via ship accident data. Moreover, the original human factor analysis and classification system for marine engineering operations (HFACS-MMO) is identified. By means of HFACS-MMO, marine maintenance and operations human reliability analysis (MMOHRA) is proposed. In the MMOHRA, the values of EPC5, EPC8, EPC12, EPC14, EPC16, EPC21, EPC32, EPC33 and EPC35 are substantially changed when comparing with similar approaches. A case study is also provided for benchmarking the proposed method. The findings of the case study show that the HEP results can change considerably with the MMOHRA. Since the mmo-EPCs are determined through obtained data from various ship accidents, MMOHRA can be utilized in safety practices regardless of ship types specifically in marine engineering field.

Automated summary

The study proposes marine engineering maintenance and operations specific error producing conditions (mmo-EPCs) based on ship accident data, extending the current shipboard operations human reliability analysis (SOHRA). The findings introduce a new method called marine maintenance and operations human reliability analysis (MMOHRA), which significantly alters the values of various error producing conditions compared to similar approaches, demonstrating its potential for improved safety practices in the marine engineering field.