Image credit: © European Union Agency for Railways (contains AI)
Explore the full agenda of the Human and Organisational Factors (HOF) Conference, taking place in Valenciennes, France, on 4 and 5 November 2026.
- 12:30 - 13:00
Welcome light lunch
- 13:00 - 13:10
Introduction
- 13:10 - 15:10
Session 1 – From research to practical implementation
13:10 - 13:50Let’s improve daily operations with more structured HOF integration – Experience from other sectors
Drawing on field projects in nuclear operations, construction sites and transport, ICSI shares how Human and Organisational Factors (HOF) can be embedded into daily operations. We present concrete changes: field visits turned into dialogue on work-as-done, briefings that address uncertainty and workload, and systematic debriefs of routine and degraded situations. We discuss implementation challenges and the key role of frontline managers, for whom HOF can become a practical everyday tool.
13:50 - 14:30When the rules changes meaning - Testing the path from dangerous goods duties to operational decisions
From RID Chapter 1.3 training to defensible operational decisions: two illustrative railway scenarios show how SNRF (Semio Normative Resonance Framework) and the SNRM (Safety Rule Reception Model) model trace meaning across working languages, signs and handovers in international teams. Practical tools connect duty, decision authority and evidence. A proposed pilot tests training transfer through teach-back, unfamiliar scenarios and observed practice.
14:30 - 15:10DLR's programme on better integrating HOF in automation - Practical example with the Auto Cargo project
This joint OTIV and DLR presentation covers why how HOF activities fit within the whole development process of an innovative system, including the design phase to follow design and ergonomic norms as well as gathering feedback from end users during a one-year trial phase in real conditions.
- 15:10 - 15:30
Coffe break
- 15:30 - 17:55
Session 2 – Integrating safety culture strategy into operation
15:30 - 16:10Leading safety – Turning culture into action
Spreading safety culture among train drivers and train managers, supporting their expected behaviours in operational situations in which they can make a difference, through a specific playbook that will guide them in the execution of daily safety mindset and behaviours.
16:10 - 16:40H2OF: the SEW Method as a lever for the HOF and 5X5 implementation
This study presents the results of the SEW method carried out in 2026, five years after the first study (2021), with the aim of assessing the effectiveness of the mitigation measures introduced between 2021-2026.
What are the key findings?
Despite the improvement in the level of safety culture (+12%), organisational vulnerabilities and a form of ‘emotional detachment observed in some groups pose a risk of deterioration.16:40 - 17:20From a safety culture strategy to everyday operational safety - Embarking new train drivers at Nordjyske Jernbaner
We have introduced a new assessment tool for evaluating new trainees. It is based on desired personal competencies and behavioural indicators, with focus on actions, including proactive behaviour, and a clear distinction between actions and attitudes. These elements are gathered in a structured assessment form that supports consistent and systematic evaluation. Initial feedback has been positive, and the form is considered a useful tool for dialogue and evaluation after each completed duty work.
17:20 - 17:55Panel discussion
All persons from session 1 and 2.
- 17:55 - 18:00
Closure of the day
- 18:00 - 18:45
Networking cocktail
- 09:00 - 09:10
Introduction of the day
- 09:10 - 13:20
Session 3 – Practical HOF integration into a risk-based approach and continuous improvement
09:10 - 09:40How applied psychology can enhance operational safety? - Creating a safe space for sharing and learning
This presentation introduces Renfe’s Peers programme, an initiative designed to integrate Human and Organisational Factors into everyday railway operations. Based on peer-to-peer learning and real operational experiences, the programme transforms incidents and frontline knowledge into valuable organisational learning opportunities. Through reflection, discussion and shared learning, Peers promotes a proactive safety culture, strengthens reporting practices and supports safer, more resilient railway operations.
09:40 - 10:10Making hazards visible - How sleeper markings support safer shunting
Making hazards visible is most effective when Infrastructure Managers and Railway Undertakings work together and involve end users from the start. Sleeper markings demonstrate how cross-organisational collaboration, combined with frontline expertise, can deliver practical safety improvements that benefit everyone operating in the yard.
Early involvement of end users turns safety improvements into practical solutions. By engaging shunting staff & train drivers in the design and testing of sleeper markings, hazards were made more visible, acceptance increased, and the final solution better matched operational realities.
10:10 - 10:40Coffee break
10:40 - 11:205x5, towards excellence - Practical HOF implementation and data mining
Moving beyond single-event investigations, Infrabel uses HOF mining to identify systemic safety risks across multiple incidents. This presentation introduces our practical use of the
5x5 model and illustrates how individual HOF reports are aggregated to detect patterns linked to critical procedures and processes. Join us to explore how data-driven organisational learning can strengthen safety performance.
11:20 - 12:00Reducing fatigue risk - Building a consistent fatigue management approach across borders
Management of fatigue is an essential component for ensuring the safety of our railways. However, there are inconsistent levels of understanding about the severity of fatigue risk, and the approach to managing this. Cultural differences, legislation in each country, and local union agreements add to the complexity of creating an approach that is consistent. Eurostar commissioned an independent review by Welbees to review fatigue risk for safety critical roles for staff based in France, UK and Belgium. This presentation will provide an overview of the issues faced, and the approach taken to create a prioritised action plan to address fatigue risk, and agree KPIs for ongoing monitoring.
12:00 - 12:40Impact of the Iberian blackout on the Spanish railway system - April 2025
At 12:33 on April 28, 2025, Spain suffered the most serious blackout in its history. During this presentation we will look at its impact on the Spanish railway system and try to answer the following questions:
- How did the different areas of Adif react?
- What lessons did we learn?
- What improvements can we propose to beƩer deal with it in the future?
12:40 - 13:20Panel discussion
All persons from session 3.
- 13:20 - 13:30
Closure of the conference
- 13:30 - 14:00
Sandwich lunch
