Implementation of a novel taxonomy based on cognitive work analysis (CWA) in assessment of safety

What is it about?

The developed taxonomy of CWA can be applied in problem-solving. Provided with information about the properties of the organization’s work systems, managers and workers should be able to reason effectively about the system state in a variety of circumstances (e.g., system’s purpose, work functions and procedures). Thus, problemsolving involves reasoning about these constraints or boundaries on successful performance as a basis for generating effective, typically adaptive, courses of action and problem-solving behaviors. A special approach is to analyze the work demands of complex sociotechnical systems with the taxonomy of CWA.

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Why is it important?

Specific to this utilization of the taxonomy of CWA is the idea that its particular elements should seek to capitalize on the strengths and minimize the limitations of safety performance and working conditions. The aim, then, would be to provide teams of workers with the information necessary for fulfilling the work demands (e.g., progress of targets, collaboration and skillbased competencies) associated with the range of responsibilities. Team competence in applying the taxonomy of CWA involves complex interactions and reciprocal influence of team members’ performance. Finally, a key objective of an existing approach to complex sociotechnical system’s design is facilitating effective human–automation coordination.

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