Safety & design
Safety and design are the principal focus of human factors psychologists.
These psychologists research, design and develop systems that take into account human/system interaction and the relevant performance capacities and limitations of the people who use them.
Their goal may be to improve efficiency or increase reliability. They may want to enhance safety and reduce accidents. Or they may want to improve customers’ acceptance of a product.
What You Can Do
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Behavior Analyses Help People Work Safer
Learn how behavior-based safety programs can help companies cut injuries and accidents through systematic observation, analysis and intervention.
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Driven to Distraction
Learn why driving and cellphones aren’t a good mix.
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Making Air Travel Safer Through Crew Resource Management
This approach prevents aviation accidents and may soon save lives in operating and emergency rooms.
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Why Lime-Yellow Fire Trucks Are Safer Than Red
Human factors and ergonomics researchers have found that bright yellow vehicles are less likely to be involved in accidents.
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Third Brake Light Is No Third Wheel
A small design change can save lives, property and money.
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More Sleep Would Make Most Americans Happier, Healthier and Safer
Few Americans get enough sleep each night, and the consequences can be disastrous.
Getting Help
News
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Teen drivers safer when parents improve teaching skills
June 30, 2014, Boston Globe
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Why driving slowly and responsibly can actually be fun
June 20, 2014, The Washington Post
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Brain changes in college football players raise new concerns
May 21, 2014, The New York Times
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Driving while pregnant is riskier than you might think
May 12, 2014, NPR
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Rowdy friends may be more dangerous than phones
April 23, 2014, CBS News
Monitor on Psychology Articles
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Design in mind
November 1, 2013
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Making online security warning messages more useful and effective
June 1, 2013
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Design for all ages
May 1, 2012
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From toilet to tap: Getting people to drink recycled water
October 1, 2011
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The risks of night work
January 1, 2011
Books
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Handbook of Occupational Health Psychology, Second Edition
August 2010
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Cognitive Fatigue
August 2010
