In this paper, we propose the application of the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System(HFACS) to analyze an aircraft accident data. HFACS is a general human error framework originally developed and tested within the U.S military as a tool for investigating and analyzing the human causes of aviation accidents. It was examined that HFACS reliably accommodate all human causal factors associated with the commercial accidents. We found that the HFACS could be used as a reliable tool for investigating aircraft accidents including a single accident analysis.

In this case study, results of the explosion accident at MEK-PO factory were analysed by using the consequence analysis of quantitative hazard assessment and the explosion energy, the burst pressure of vessel, and overpressures at the explosion center and at 300m distance from the explosion center were estimated, respectively. As a result, we found that a cause of accident was the runaway reaction of product(MEK-PO) because of the molecular expansion in vessel and that the possibility of the runaway reaction was classified the mechanical failure(the obstacle of refrigerator or the shutdown valve), design error, and operating error by lack of thermochemical knowledge. Also, the evasive action to prevent accident was suggested.

In the shipping industry, it is well known that around 80 % or more of all marine accidents are caused fully or at least in part by human error. In this regard, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) stated that the study of human factors would be important for improving maritime safety. Consequently, the IMO adopted the Casualty Investigation Code, including guidelines to assist investigators in the implementation of the Code, to prevent similar accidents occurring again in the future. In this paper, a process of the human factors investigation is proposed to provide investigators with a guide for determining the occurrence sequence of marine accidents, to identify and classify human error-inducing underlying factors, and to develop safety actions that can manage the risk of marine accidents. Also, an application of these investigation procedures to a collision accident is provided as a case study This is done to verify the applicability of the proposed human factors investigation procedures. The proposed human factors investigation process provides a systematic approach and consists of 3 steps: ‘Step 1: collect data & determine occurrence sequence’ using the SHEL model and the cognitive process model; ‘Step 2: identify and classify underlying human factors’ using the Maritime-Human Factor Analysis and Classification System (M-HFACS) model; and ‘Step 3: develop safety actions,’ using the causal chains. The case study shows that the proposed human factors investigation process is capable of identifying the underlying factors and indeveloping safety actions to prevent similar accidents from occurring.