LAUSR

Abstract Demanding work might have properties that increase the risk of incidents and accidents. The purpose of this study is to understand such perceived demands through sharp end experiences. A better understanding of demanding work can support safety oriented training agendas and facilities, and evidence-based component frameworks can contribute to accident prevention and intervention as situated needs and requirements in the industry are incorporated. Emerging demands can accordingly either be adapted to framed components, or give rise to new components. A sample of maritime operating crew partaking in maritime simulator training courses answered a questionnaire developed by a reference group consisting of people responsible for maritime training. An exploratory analysis of the 42 items generated seven distinguishable components of demanding work: Elemental forces and technological strain, incidents and accidents, reporting and assessment, pressure and interruption, team shortcomings and cultural differences, interaction obstacles, and own individual shortcomings. The structural components weighs unevenly in how demanding they appear, and in their influence on each other. We discuss some methodological issues, like the context of the study, and order and wording effects on the component structure. These may hamper the validity of conclusions, but the tentative model is still important to raise consciousness for future maritime operations. Further research is encouraged, especially in other cultures, other types of operations, and with regard to resources available for mitigation.