The effects of human factors on safety outcomes have been studied for decades. Whether it’s research on the effects of fatigue, a close look at the dangers of rushing, or an examination of other states like ambiguity, it’s clear that human factors have major implications for a company’s EHS program. Given this sizable impact, a new article in Safety + Health magazine argues that human factors management principles should be embedded in every organization’s safety systems.

Authored by highly regarded safety consultant Danny Smith, the article suggests that there are several approaches that companies can take to sustainably adopt human factors management principles. From establishing a common language to fostering at-home adoption, these techniques can make a dramatic difference in workers’ lives, not to mention in a company’s safety results.

The first tactic proposed by Smith is adopting a common language as a natural extension of initial human factors safety training. A good program will establish a set of terms that are easy to understand and used consistently throughout the training. A wise safety professional can take that terminology and begin inserting it into existing safety management systems. By way of an example, Smith suggests this new safety language “should be used in toolbox talks and safety meetings” and that it can easily be included in other training, too, “because it’s important to discuss fatigue during forklift training and rushing as part of fire safety training.”

Taking these steps to develop a common language will help reinforce initial human error reduction training. And it will also make it easier for frontline leaders to discuss human factors with workers, day in and day out. Research has shown that on-the-ground leaders can play a major role in improving a company’s safety climate. Getting supervisors talking about safety, and especially human factors, can be a huge part of that.

Smith’s article also points out that most preventable deaths and injuries occur away from the workplace. This means it’s important for safety professionals to help employees develop human factors management skills that can keep them safe at home and on the road, not just on the job. Fortunately, there are several tangible benefits to doing so, from better employee engagement to fewer lost-time injuries resulting from non-work incidents.

Human factors training is a key component in protecting workers from the dangers of states like rushing and fatigue. But training is only the first part of the equation. Smith’s write-up in Safety + Health provides several avenues for EHS folks to get additional benefits from this type of training, making it a must-read for anyone looking to reduce the effects of human factors on safety outcomes.