The transition from the SPE Human Factors Technical Section (HFTS) to a broader SPE Safety Technical Section (STS) reflects the increasingly integrated approach to safety management across areas such as human performance, risk management, and system resilience. While there is recognition that Human Factors could lose some of its distinct visibility within a broader structure, the change is viewed as a logical evolution that aligns with current industry practices.
This integration has the potential to strengthen the influence of Human Factors by embedding its principles more directly into mainstream safety discussions, thereby expanding its reach while maintaining its technical depth. There is also strong support for the current Human Factors leadership to serve as the founding leadership of the new section, helping to ensure continuity, credibility, and sustained momentum during the transition.
At the same time, maintaining clear and visible representation of Human Factors through dedicated leadership, programming, and technical content is considered essential. If implemented thoughtfully, the transition is expected to strengthen both the broader safety community and the Human Factors discipline, creating greater opportunities for collaboration and impact.
The STS falls under the SPE Health, Safety, Environment, and Sustainability (HSES) Discipline and Community. Additional information about the HSES Discipline is available here. https://www.spe.org/en/disciplines/hse/
You can join here and learn more about the STS on the STS SPE Connect Page.