Resources & Constraints

in Workplace Systems

Resources & Constraints [PDF 152 KB]

The availability of resources has a profound impact on the workplace system and resulting performance (e.g., meeting goals and objectives). Not enough resources (i.e., resource constraints) can have a significant negative impact on performance outcomes, particularly for companies in high-risk industries.

Below are examples of resource types and possible constraints within the workplace system:

Resources

 

Constraints

Physical Resources (equipment, tools, facilities)
Icon – Gear inside which there is a screwdriver and a wrench, illustrating the physical resources
Physical Resource Constraints that limit the availability of equipment, tools, or tech
Human Resources (employees, managers, stakeholders)
Icon – Three people representing human resources
Staffing Constraints that limit the number of people available to do work
Financial Resources (budgets, funding, capital)
Icon – Bag with a dollar sign inside it representing financial resources
Budgetary Constraints that limit the amount of money available
Informational Resources (data, knowledge, technology)
Icon – Letter i in white inside a black circle illustrating information resources
Informational Resource Constraints that limit availability of data or knowledge
Time Resources (work hours, schedules, deadlines)
Icon – Clock representing time resources
Time Constraints that limit the amount of time available to complete work

Defining resource needs, monitoring, evaluating, and taking action to address resource constraints when they arise are critical functions within a company’s management system.

Is Your Workplace Facing Resource Constraints?

If any of the following warning signs exist within your workplace it’s time to take action:

Icon – A red triangle with a black exclamation mark inside

Shortage of qualified personnel to execute the work

Icon – A red triangle with a black exclamation mark inside

Equipment maintenance is continuously postponed or solved with temporary, “band-aid” solutions

Icon – A red triangle with a black exclamation mark inside

Time to complete safety sensitive upgrades and repairs is limited due to competing demands

Icon – A red triangle with a black exclamation mark inside

Specialized software or technology to improve how work is executed is inaccessible

 

To adequately consider availability and quality of resources, companies should ensure the below steps are implemented and effective within their management system:

  1. Identify the resources and constraints available
  2. Prioritize resources based on importance and value
  3. Allocate resources (in a way that ensures they are being used efficiently and effectively
  4. Monitor resource usage to ensure effective and efficient resource use
  5. Manage constraints (identify ways to mitigate or eliminate)
  6. Plan for contingencies (unexpected events or changes in circumstances that may impact availability or use of resources)
  7. Continuously evaluate and adjust

Reflective Question:

  1. Which of the 7 steps to consider availability and quality of resources does your workplace most struggle with? What are some possible steps for improvement?
 

For more information on systems thinking and performance influencing factors see Canadian Standard Association. (2022). Human and organizational factors for optimal pipeline performance (CSA Express Document No. 16:22).

For more learning resources on Human and Organizational Factors and Safety Culture visit the CER’s Safety Culture Learning Portal.

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