Page 11 - 312 Human Factors Primer for Front Line Leaders

A. Task Planning

Task planning refers to developing a plan for work such as maintenance, turnaround, start-up,
and instructions for temporary work or at the start of a shift. It should account for all hazards,
address communication of critical information, and be clear on task authorization. Task
planning should accomplish the following. (HFH 17)

Define a realistic schedule. Plans frequently suffer from “optimism bias”, underestimated
complexity and risks, and pressure to restore production quickly. Tactics to address defining
a realistic schedule include the following:

• Explicitly review past task completion times
• Consider the team’s experience level
• Add an uncertainty of +/- 20% to the completion time
• Review plan with team and invite challenges
• For a complex plan, have an independent party review the plan

Minimize distractions and interruptions when tasks involve actions performed in a specific
order, where information from earlier in the task should be remembered, and for long
duration tasks. Tactics to minimize distractions and interruptions include the following:

• Avoid multitasking or switching tasks
• Reduce noise level or use hearing protection
• Route questions to a coordinator to avoid interrupting the person doing the task
• Cordon off the work area to maintain the focus on the task
• Limit conversations to the task
• Use brief and formal communications on the task
• Use stop or hold points to verify task progress before proceeding further

Support focus by providing breaks,
a comfortable work environment
(temperature, light, noise level), and
minimizing fatigue.

Assign critical tasks to people who are competent to perform the task specific. Involve
workers familiar with the facility and task in the task planning. Verify and document critical
task execution. This is especially important when a critical task, or multiple critical tasks, are
complex, involve multiple systems, or multiple shifts. The execution of the task should be

9
Human Factors Primer for Front Line Leaders
 AIChE 2023. All rights reserved. Reproduction for non-commercial, educational purposes is encouraged.
However, reproduction for any commercial purpose without express written consent of AIChE is strictly prohibited.