Human factor challenges in air traffic control and possible solutions

Human Factors in Air Traffic Control
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Introduction
At the very basic level, every human being is affected by factors that could be considered to be externally outside them and those that are considered internal. This can be mostly summarized to show that human beings are largely aware of themselves and that which they interact with every moment they are awake within their environment and it forms part of their experience (Mogford, Krois&Allendoerfer, 1999). In the aviation industry, one of the main pillars is the human aspect in labor and this has been an integral part of the industry since the Second World War. Most of the research that exists relative to the aviation industry and in reference to human labor is largely focused on the pilots and the role that they play in safety. In one of the major sections of an airline operation, is the Air Traffic Control (Schóber, Lippay&Necas, 2013). The human factors have been found to play a great role in the safety of the airlines and their operations. Any increase in the number of air crafts means a higher workload for the Air Traffic Controllers.Sometimes, due to the element of the human errors, the operations are jeopardized. However there are also ways that the Air Traffic Controllers can control their operations relative to human factors.
Human factors affecting Air Traffic controllers
Training
This is one of the most basic aspects in the human element relative to their ability to receive and internalize the training information that they receive. Where the staffs receive shallow training on the various aspects of their operations, they may not take it with the seriousness that it deserves (Mogford, Krois&Allendoerfer, 1999). This will mean that most of the staffs will not take their work seriously relative to the attitude they have developed right from their training. Understanding the seriousness of their operation during the training sessions and getting into detailed approaches that are generally accepted, will enhance their skills and more importantly their awareness. Unlike the pilots, the Air Traffic Controllers are in charge of more than one plane at any given time; this means that the pressure to ensure the, safety of the passengers, planes and the reputation of the company along with their own along with a string of other factors.
Work environment
The working environment is one of the basic aspects of interactions that every ATC will have to come across as they proceed with their operations. Aspects such as the physical arrangement of the displays, chairs types, placement of the computers and other radar equipment, the working culture and the general attitude at the work place are a common set of issues that influence the human aspects of the ATC. Working with a computer that is constantly developing technical problems in a station can be a debilitating concern and one that would easily affect the work output(Schóber, Lippay&Necas, 2013). This also goes to the arrangement, for ease of access and the productivity levels of the rest of the equipment at the station. While it may seem obvious, the working culture at the station and the general attitude can easily affect an ATC, with high professional skills to perform dismally. Elements such as the design of the control rooms, with reference to facilities such as lighting can affect that ability to perform optimally. Elements such as noise regeneration within a center can like the lighting increase the level of discomfort and therefore affect the output levels and quality of deliverables. Aspects related to ergonomics are also crucial relative to the fact that, ATC are largely under pressure at all times and they need to be confortable in their sitting positions and the basic arrangement of the room, with ease of access to all the elements in the center along with clear pathways that do not cause any form of disturbance or safety concerns.As such, the environment can easily boost the outputs of the ATC or it can be a reason to have a decline in performance, as human tend to be affected by their environment in responseto the basic stimuli their receive (Mogford, Krois&Allendoerfer, 1999).
Psychological conditions
Unlike the equipment at the center, humans have feelings relative to their interactions with the environment. Human factors such as depression, stress and anxiety can easily reduce the ability of an ATC to concentrate in their work. This also means that, their emotions and in general psychological state is also bound to affect the people that they interact with(Schóber, Lippay&Necas, 2013).As such, the psychological condition of one staff is not only going to affect them, but will likely affect those they interact with at the psychological level and at the professional level, due to the influence on the work team. The psychological conditions of the ATC could associated with their workplace or the outside the workplace. If associated with the workplace, every time they come to work, they could be affected by their feelings and thoughts and lose concentration. If the feeling and thoughts are associated with a situation at home, coming to work could present a chance to escape their troubles. Either way, it is a complicated aspect and one that will depend on the staff’s ability to deal with these conditions.
Medical conditions
Health condition of an ATC is crucial and should always be at one hundred percent or at least in a position where they would not have their health interfering with their ability to perform. ATC operations are crucial to the safety of passengers, planes, the crew, stakeholders and even the people and property on the ground. If their health status suddenly shifts in a manner that compromises to operate optimally, the results could be catastrophic. Due to the sensitivity of the operations that the ATC are involved in, the FA...