Human factors and performance are critical elements for ensuring safety in the workplace, especially in industries like construction. These factors examine how different aspects of the work environment and individual behaviors interact and influence safety outcomes. By understanding these factors, leaders can improve decision-making, boost productivity, and create an environment conducive to safer and more effective performance on jobsites.

Understanding Human Factors in Construction Safety

Human factors refer to how workers interact with their environment and the various influences that shape their behavior, decisions, and actions on the job. In construction, these factors can play a pivotal role in reducing workplace hazards and improving safety outcomes. Examples of human factors include the work environment, job-specific characteristics, organizational culture, and individual traits like skills, personality, and risk perception.

For instance, a well-structured job design can influence how workers approach their tasks. A workload that is too heavy or poorly designed processes can lead to accidents, whereas a job that aligns with an individual's skills and comfort level tends to have better safety outcomes. Environmental factors such as lighting, noise, and temperature, as well as organizational elements like leadership, communication, and work culture, also influence a worker's performance and safety.

When the job design, the individual, and the organization are aligned, it creates a safer and more productive environment. As construction teams navigate their work, understanding the impact of each of these human factors can help leaders better support their workforce, leading to improved decision-making and more effective safety protocols.

The 5 Principles of Human Performance and Their Role in Safety

Todd Conklin, an expert in human performance, highlights five core principles that underpin how human performance should be understood in relation to safety. These principles are vital in shaping a culture where safety is prioritized and where workers are empowered to perform their tasks with awareness and care.

People Make Mistakes

‍Even the most skilled and experienced workers make mistakes. It's crucial to understand that errors are a natural part of the work process, and they are not always intentional. By focusing on identifying the underlying causes of errors—rather than blaming individuals—organizations can learn from mistakes and adjust procedures to prevent future incidents. "Errors happen, but they don’t define the individual or the team. The key is in understanding what led to the error and how to prevent it moving forward," said Conklin.

Errors are Not Exclusively Individual

‍It's important to recognize that errors often stem from a mix of factors, not just individual mistakes. The design of the work, the environment, and even organizational culture can all contribute to errors. By focusing on systemic issues, companies can reduce the likelihood of future mistakes and improve the overall work environment.

Deliberate Learning from Mistakes

‍When an error occurs, rather than focusing solely on the negative outcome, the organization should foster a culture of deliberate learning. “We need to step back, look at what happened, and analyze how to adjust practices to avoid recurrence,” Conklin emphasized. This proactive approach creates opportunities for continuous improvement, enhancing safety across teams.

Collaborative Response to Errors

‍Leaders play a key role in shaping how errors are handled. When leaders adopt a collaborative approach to addressing mistakes, it promotes trust and accountability. Rather than placing blame, the focus should be on working together to identify what went wrong and how similar incidents can be avoided in the future. "Your response as a leader really sets the tone for how a team reacts to mistakes," Conklin stated.

Safety is a Team Effort

‍Ensuring safety on a jobsite is a collective responsibility. "We are all responsible for safety, and that means fostering an environment where people feel comfortable voicing concerns and working together to find solutions,” said Conklin. A team that works cohesively toward improving safety can adapt to challenges more effectively and reduce accidents on-site.

Working Toward a Safer Industry Together

Fostering a safety culture in construction requires understanding how human behavior and performance are interlinked with jobsite safety. Creating an environment where workers are empowered to make safer decisions—supported by organizational factors such as strong leadership, effective communication, and well-designed tasks—will significantly reduce risks and improve overall performance.

To build on this momentum, Construction Safety Week 2025 will take place from May 5-9, with the theme “All in Together.” The initiative encourages teams to plan, own, and commit to safety, recognizing that safety is a shared responsibility. It aims to inspire collaboration among workers, managers, and leaders to ensure that everyone plays a role in making jobsites safer.

Continuing to Improve Safety Through Human Factors

It’s evident that understanding the connection between human factors, organizational culture, and individual behavior is key to improving safety outcomes in construction. By embracing principles of human performance, companies can create safer work environments, reduce accidents, and build a culture of continuous learning and improvement. By prioritizing these elements, construction leaders are not only enhancing safety but also empowering workers to perform at their best in an environment that values both their well-being and their contributions.

In conclusion, while there will always be challenges on the jobsite, understanding and addressing human factors provides the foundation for a safer and more effective construction industry. By aligning human performance principles with job design and organizational culture, companies can build a safer and more successful future for their teams. As part of the week’s initiative, resources and planning tools are available to support organizations in their efforts to implement better safety practices. For more information, or to access available resources, visit Construction Safety Week’s website.

Originally reported by Mike Choutka, CEO Hensel Phelps and Construction.