The Activity Regulation Approach in Case Studies of Human Reliability

Abstract

The application of the described methodology of human error research is exemplified by two case studies. They were carried out on specific occupational groups: (1) operator-managers of a highly automated system, and (2) personnel of fire-fighting troops, working in an extraordinary job environment (dealing with the consequences of the Chernobyl Accident). The choice of such unlike samples allows us to consider the sets of risk factors for human reliability in principally different types of job — mental information work, and physically overstrained and risky professions. At the same time, comparison of the general results of these studies demonstrates the great importance of such psychological factors as subjective appraisals of the work situation and individual coping strategies that play the central role in maintaining reliable job performance in various professional activities.