Sofema Online (www.sofemaonline.com) considers HF exposures related to manpower.
Introduction
Human factors issues, specifically human errors, contribute to more aircraft incidents and accidents than any other single factor. Human errors include errors committed by maintenance personnel and others who have a direct impact on flight safety.
It is important that Organisations ensure that manpower availability is closely aligned to the specific needs. Managers and Supervisors should also be attuned to how the work environment is affecting employees to ensure harmony and balance (a lack of balance can lead to fatigue & stress).
Additionally, it is also important to recognise that the actual physical working environment is a specific consideration of the employees and contributes to their well-being.
Considering the Maintenance Drivers
Manpower Planning for Scheduled Maintenance tasks is relatively straightforward, whereas planning for unscheduled maintenance tasks is variable and therefore more challenging.
Regarding the potential for Human Error, we understand that many preventative tasks are performed regularly and, as such, become familiar routines for maintenance personnel. Typically experienced personnel will be unlikely to make mistakes related to a lack of knowledge or skills on a familiar preventative task, Human errors can still occur.
Unscheduled tasks are usually corrective in nature, and although some unscheduled tasks are minor, others require extensive system knowledge, problem-solving skills, and specialised skills and bring with them the potential for error.
Considering Maintenance Workload Balance
Consider that there is a need for a balance between what the “employer” expects and what the “employee” is able to deliver
a) The workload required, expected, planned for and experienced by the maintenance organisation,
b) Workload demanded of and experienced by individual maintenance employees.
Both organisational and human factors impact each other, and it is the responsibility of the maintenance organisation to ensure that the manpower available is more than adequate to meet all necessary tasks.
HF Exposure Caused by Unplanned Workload
Day-to-day tasks requiring immediate attention will typically occur continuously on an ad hoc basis. Unplanned maintenance activities are sometimes required in response to Service Bulletins from manufacturers and Airworthiness Directives from regulatory and other Competent Authorities.
Whilst it is not possible for these tasks to be specifically planned for, it is possible to make a proximation of the expected manpower so that appropriate preparation can be made to provide sufficient resources.
All Required Maintenance Tasks must be supported by a team of planners, supervisors, licensed aircraft engineers, and technicians and within an expected timeframe.
Final Note
The mitigation for this exposure can be found in the development of strong Process & Procedures including Quality Control and identification of Critical Tasks, together with the use of competent and trained employees.
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