Introduction to Fire Safety Management

4.8.2 Job 
factors
All work tasks should be designed to take account of the 
limitations of human performance, both in normal oper-
ating circumstances and during any foreseeable emer-
gency conditions. Matching the job to the person will 
ensure they are not overloaded and that they make the 
most effective contribution to the organisation.
This requires the employer to consider the physical 
and mental match between the task and the worker. 
Mismatches between job requirements and the capabil-
ities of the individual increase the likelihood of human 
error.
Physical match
Employers need to consider the ergonomic design of 
the whole workplace, working environment and the work 
equipment within it to ensure the impact on the workers 
is reduced as much as possible.
Mental match
Employers should also consider the various job demands 
made on individuals in respect of decision making, the 
receipt and understanding of information and perception 
of the requirements of the task – particularly if additional 
Figure 4.13
Examples of tall and fl 
at hierarchical 
structures
Tall hierarchy
Flat hierarchy

---

Safety culture
77
responsibilities are added such as an evacuation coord-
inator or fi rst responder.
Job design
The design of the job and working environment should 
be based on task analysis of the activities required of 
the worker to ensure the correct match between the 
demands of the job and the abilities of the worker exists. 
The main considerations during job design include:
➤
Identifi cation and comprehensive analysis of the 
tasks expected of the individuals, including any 
foreseeable errors they may make
➤
Evaluation of the decision-making requirement 
placed on the individual
➤
The optimum balance between human and auto-
matic safety actions
➤
Ergonomic design of all man/machine interfaces, 
including control devices, panel layouts and infor-
mation and warning systems
➤
Design and format of operational instructions or 
procedures
➤
Provision of correct tools and equipment
➤
Design of work and shift patterns
➤
Arrangements for emergency operations and 
procedures
➤
Short- and long-term communication procedures.