27th ANNUAL WHEEL RAIL INTERACTION CONFERENCE

2022 Heavy Haul Session

Abstract:

The Role of Human Factors in Inspection Errors / Failures in the Railway Industry

Randy  Jamieson

Randy Jamieson
Atticus Consulting Group LLC

Daniel Smilek

Daniel Smilek
Atticus Consulting Group LLC

Despite evolving track and mechanical inspection and analytical systems, the underlying causes of human error in the railway industry is not well understood. In fact, human factor train accidents/million miles have increased over the past 10 years. This presentation will explore the limits of human cognition and how these limitations contribute to errors and accidents in the rail industry. Using engaging demonstrations to illustrate cutting-edge scientific findings in the field of cognitive neuroscience, this presentation will provide an overview of the mechanisms of attention and perception relevant to track and mechanical inspection. There will be a special focus on pertinent phenomena such as “inattentional blindness,” the “vigilance decrement” and “satiation of search.”