Barriers to integrating HF for new level crossing safety solutions
Tracks
Room 2
| Monday, November 30, 2026 |
| 2:30 PM - 2:50 PM |
| Concurrent Room 1 |
Overview
Prof Gemma Read
Speaker
Professor Gemma Read
University of the Sunshine Coast
Barriers to integrating HF for new level crossing safety solutions
Abstract
Aim
This study was part of a broader project to develop an evidence-based toolkit to help embed Human Factors principles across the design, implementation, and operation of innovative level crossing safety solutions. This study focused on requirements gathering to inform the toolkit design and development. As part of the requirements gathering, we explored the barriers to the development and implementation of innovative level crossing technologies and solutions. This presentation will explore the barriers identified and their implications for Human Factors integration in transport.
Methods
Forty-six participants from 15 stakeholder organisations across Australia attended one of 17 stakeholder interviews/workshops. Participant roles spanned policy and strategy, regulation and investigation, operations and asset management, engineering and design, Human Factors, customer experience, research, and technology. Sessions were held for each stakeholder organisation (due to availability some attended individual interviews). This allowed discussions to be tailored to specific organisational roles, responsibilities, and contexts. Sessions were conducted online and followed a structured discussion format.
Results
Thematic analysis resulted in the identification of six key barriers to the uptake of new safety technologies and safety solutions at level crossings: organisational capacity and resourcing issues; stakeholder alignment and collaboration challenges; socio-political and public acceptance barriers; technical and system integration barriers; technical and system integration barriers; and Human Factors and behavioural considerations.
Discussion / Implications
The presentation will discuss the identified barriers, with a focus on the their impact on Human Factors integration efforts in level crossing safety improvement projects involving novel solutions and technologies. Addressing these barriers is vital given the importance of effective application of Human Factors for the success of new solutions aiming to support road user behaviour and safety. Recommendations for addressing the constraints faced by stakeholders, including Human Factors professionals, will be discussed.
This study was part of a broader project to develop an evidence-based toolkit to help embed Human Factors principles across the design, implementation, and operation of innovative level crossing safety solutions. This study focused on requirements gathering to inform the toolkit design and development. As part of the requirements gathering, we explored the barriers to the development and implementation of innovative level crossing technologies and solutions. This presentation will explore the barriers identified and their implications for Human Factors integration in transport.
Methods
Forty-six participants from 15 stakeholder organisations across Australia attended one of 17 stakeholder interviews/workshops. Participant roles spanned policy and strategy, regulation and investigation, operations and asset management, engineering and design, Human Factors, customer experience, research, and technology. Sessions were held for each stakeholder organisation (due to availability some attended individual interviews). This allowed discussions to be tailored to specific organisational roles, responsibilities, and contexts. Sessions were conducted online and followed a structured discussion format.
Results
Thematic analysis resulted in the identification of six key barriers to the uptake of new safety technologies and safety solutions at level crossings: organisational capacity and resourcing issues; stakeholder alignment and collaboration challenges; socio-political and public acceptance barriers; technical and system integration barriers; technical and system integration barriers; and Human Factors and behavioural considerations.
Discussion / Implications
The presentation will discuss the identified barriers, with a focus on the their impact on Human Factors integration efforts in level crossing safety improvement projects involving novel solutions and technologies. Addressing these barriers is vital given the importance of effective application of Human Factors for the success of new solutions aiming to support road user behaviour and safety. Recommendations for addressing the constraints faced by stakeholders, including Human Factors professionals, will be discussed.
Biography
Gemma is the Director of the Centre for Human Factors and Systems Science at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Gemma has over 19 years’ experience applying human factors and systems thinking methods and approaches to optimise safety and performance in complex systems, including transportation, healthcare, defence and construction. She has authored 4 books, over 100 peer reviewed journal articles and has received national and international awards for her research.
