Relative Risk of Workload Transitions in Positive Train Control
This work proceeded along two parallel paths. First, the research team performed a review and analysis of the fundamental human factors and systems performance issues associated with workload and workmode transitions involving technologies like positive train control (PTC) that can lead to safety and operational problems. These include concerns associated with over-reliance, fixation, skill loss, and shifts in authority between components in the system. Second, the team has examined proposed PTC systems and their intended roles in rail operations to provide an analysis of the risks of the different transitions as they relate to the use of PTC systems in railroading. The opportunities for the high risk failures is greater with PTC systems that provide only an overlay safety function, and are virtually out of sight during normal operations, because the primary risks are associated with the reduction of people’s awareness of the system operating state. People tend to rely on protection equipment that is normally functioning and forget when it is inoperative.
- Record URL:
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Corporate Authors:
WreathWood Group
4157 McDuff Way
Dublin, OH United States 43016Ohio State University, Columbus
Department of Systems Engineering
Columbus, OH United States 43210ICF Consulting
33 Hayden Avenue
Lexington, MA United States 02421ENSCO, Incorporated
5400 Port Royal Road
Springfield, VA United States 22151Federal Railroad Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC United States 20590 -
Authors:
- Wreathall, John
- Woods, David D
- Bing, Alan J
- Christoffersen, Klaus
- Publication Date: 2007-3-31
Language
- English
Media Info
- Media Type: Digital/other
- Features: References; Tables;
- Pagination: 62p
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Human factors; Performance measurement; Positive train control; Railroad safety; Risk analysis; Risk assessment; Safety; Workload
- Uncontrolled Terms: Scheduled railroading; System performance
- Subject Areas: Operations and Traffic Management; Railroads; Safety and Human Factors;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01055655
- Record Type: Publication
- Report/Paper Numbers: DOT/FRA/ORD-07/12, DOT/FRA/ORD-XX/XX
- Contract Numbers: DTFR53-00-D-00030 TOPR 012
- Files: TRIS, USDOT
- Created Date: Aug 15 2007 3:59PM