Human Failure Skill based errors

Slips

Lapses
Errors
Rules
Mistakes

Human Knowledge
Failures
Routine

Violations Situational

Exceptional
 Human Error
• Skill based
– slips (attention)
e.g. wrong medicine

– Lapses (memory)
e.g. hose removal

• Rule based e.g.

assuming same wiring
• Knowledge based e.g.
alarm ?
 Human Violations
• Routine
• Situational
• Exceptional
 Reducing Human Failure
• Skilled, competent workers
• Well, motivated employees
• Clear role and responsibilities
• Adequate supervision
• Clear information and instruction
• Drugs and alcohol prevention policy
• Good environmental conditions
• Avoiding monotonous work
 Human Behaviour
• Effects of age and experience
• Influence of peers
• Promoting safe behaviour: →
– Discipline
– Reward
– Informing / Involving employees
– Facilitate
– Train
 The Individual - Perception
• Affected by:
– Sensory defects
– Education
– Hazard nature
– Previous experience
– Being in control
– Training
– Peer group influence
– Confidence in others
– Personal characteristics e.g.
Age , physical condition
– Being under the
influence of alcohol or
drugs
– Fatigue / exhaustion
– Distractions / loss of
concentration
– Poor environmental
conditions e.g. Poor
lighting