An analysis of the concept of «human factor» for solving the problem of ensuring production safety showed that the understanding of the human factor as negative is widespread. Accidental or deliberate non-compliance with safety rules, inadequate situations, decisions, and actions of production participants from workers to directors of the enterprises are considered the main cause of accidents and injuries. Such one-sided approaches to the term and the corresponding managerial impacts on the human factor often do not improve, but worsen the situation, thereby increasing the production risk.

In fact, the manifestations of the human factor in intentions, decisions, actions, and the results obtained can be both positive and negative in relation to the goals set, the established rules, the interests of individuals.

In essence, the human factor of production is a direct or indirect human impact on other persons, technical devices and structures, technological process that causes certain changes in them. It is determined by the physical and organizational capabilities of a particular subject of production. The organization of production, as the interaction of people and technical means, is also a manifestation of the human factor of production, the basis and result of joint activity of business owners, senior managers of companies and enterprises, responsible employees of state controlling authority, conditioned by their will, motivation, qualification, and jurisdiction.

Based on the established cause-and-effect relationships that form the concept of «human factor of production», an effective way of managing the human factor is proposed by determining the possibility of positive use of its potential. Joint and coordinated formation of conditions for safe and productive work, as well as timely risk control, allow managing the human factor in such a way as to ensure the safety and efficiency of production.