Please join us at an in-person presentation & taco buffet dinner on May 28 at Serendipity Labs. Dinner registration deadline extended until 8am May 26. For presentation only, sign-up through May 27 at this event registration link. Please share this with any colleagues who might benefit from learning more about this topic.
Topic: Impact of Human Factors on Safety-Critical Industries – An Insight into a Near-Fatal Aviation Case Study
Human‑factor errors contribute to more than 80 percent of incidents across aviation, transportation, healthcare, and other safety‑critical fields. These events occur where people, technology, and organizational systems intersect, and even small breakdowns in these interactions can escalate into serious consequences.
This presentation offers a focused overview of the cognitive, physical, and organizational influences that shape human performance. It introduces the origins of human‑factor principles, the widely recognized “Dirty Dozen” conditions that often lead to errors, and practical ideas organizations can use to reduce risk. A vivid aviation case study featuring a stunning, near-fatal incident will illustrate how multiple human‑factor breakdowns aligned to create a near‑catastrophic event.
Attendees will gain an appreciation of why human factors matter, and how even basic application of these principles can improve safety and operational outcomes.
Presentation Highlights
- The origins of human‑factor considerations and the industries most affected by human‑factor errors.
- The “Dirty Dozen” – Twelve common preconditions that contribute to human error.
- A dramatic case study illustrating the effects of human‑factor errors in a stunning, near‑fatal aviation incident.
- Practical approaches to reducing the likelihood and impact of human errors.
- Cultural elements that help organizations minimize human‑factor‑related issues.
Where: Serendipity Labs 525 Junction Rd Suite 6500, Madison, WI 53717
When: 5:00-5:30 pm Networking & Check-in
5:30-6:15 pm Buffet Dinner
6:30-7:30 pm Presentation
Dinner Menu: Street Tacos with barbacoa and chicken tinga with sides of black beans, Santa Fe rice, sautéed onions/peppers, and guacamole. Served with soft flour and crispy corn tortillas, lime crema, cilantro & onion, queso fresco cheese, tortilla chips, and assorted salsas. Meal includes fruit infused water, sodas, coffee, and hot tea.
Cost: Dinner & Presentation: ASQ Members (& guests of members): $10, Non-ASQ Members: $15 and Students: $5, Presentation Only: Free
Speaker Biography
Deepak Ramakrishnan has more than forty years of experience in the aerospace and automotive industries, holding key roles in quality leadership, metrology, and manufacturing engineering. His career includes significant contributions at Rolls‑Royce, Cummins, SPX Corporation, and Detroit Diesel Allison. He has directed quality organizations across multiple facilities, led initiatives to implement Quality Management Systems (QMS), modernized measurement systems for aircraft engine components, and managed world‑class metrology operations. He also served as a technical lead and software super user for major Right First Time improvement programs and was recognized as a subject matter expert for Rolls‑Royce North America.
As President of ILEX Consulting, Deepak provided training and guidance in structured problem solving, human factors, capability analysis, and QMS implementation. He has helped organizations strengthen operational performance, address complex field issues, and build more disciplined approaches to quality and reliability. Deepak is an ASQ Certified Quality Engineer and a Six Sigma Green Belt. He is a Senior Member of ASQ and currently serves as Secretary for the Madison Section.