Human Error

Summary

This video covers the topic of human error, explaining its definition, classifications, inducing factors, and approaches for reduction and analysis. Human error refers to actions or decisions that negatively affect system performance, safety, and effectiveness. The video introduces three main classification methods: discrete-action classification, information processing classification, and SRK classification. It also discusses internal and external factors influencing errors and presents strategies to minimize errors, including selection, training, and redesigning systems. Finally, the video outlines methods for analyzing errors, such as task analysis and fault tree diagrams, aiming to enhance performance and safety in various systems.

Takeaways

• 😀 Human error refers to inappropriate or undesirable human decisions or behaviors that reduce effectiveness, safety, and system performance.
• 😀 Human error can be classified in three main ways: discrete-action classification, information processing classification, and SRK classification.
• 😀 Discrete-action classification, developed by Swain and Guttman, includes errors of omission (failure to act), commission (incorrect action), sequence errors (out-of-sequence tasks), and timing errors (incorrect timing).
• 😀 The information processing classification, developed by Rouse, involves stages like observation, hypothesis testing, goal selection, procedure selection, and procedure execution.
• 😀 The SRK classification, developed by Rasmussen, categorizes errors into skilled-based, rule-based, and knowledge-based errors, depending on the level of experience and behavior involved.
• 😀 Internal factors contributing to human error include personality, character, motivation, and knowledge or skill levels.
• 😀 External factors contributing to human error include equipment, resource management, methods, design, and the environment.
• 😀 Approaches to reducing human error include selection (choosing the right people), training (for all levels of SRK), and redesigning equipment, procedures, and environments.
• 😀 Redesign strategies for reducing errors include exclusion design (eliminating errors), prevention design (making errors difficult), and fail-safe design (minimizing error consequences).
• 😀 Human error analysis can be performed through task analysis (describing the tasks), human error identification and prediction (recognizing potential errors), and using tools like fault tree diagrams to assess errors and their consequences.
• 😀 Understanding and addressing human error is crucial for improving system performance, safety, and overall effectiveness.

Q & A

What is human error?

Human error refers to any inappropriate or undesirable decision or behavior made by a person that reduces or has the potential to reduce effectiveness, safety, or system performance.

What are the main classifications of human error?

Human error can be classified into three main categories: Discrete-Action Classification (errors of omission, commission, sequence, and timing), Information Processing Classification (errors occurring during observation, hypothesis formation, goal setting, procedure selection, and execution), and SRK Classification (skilled-based, rule-based, and knowledge-based errors).

What is the difference between an error of omission and an error of commission?

An error of omission occurs when a person fails to do something, such as forgetting a task or missing an important detail. An error of commission occurs when a person performs an action incorrectly, such as making a wrong decision or misinterpreting information.

What is the SRK Classification of human error?

The SRK Classification, developed by Rasmussen, categorizes human errors based on the level of expertise involved: Skilled-based error (when tasks are performed automatically due to experience), Rule-based error (when tasks are performed intuitively based on learned rules), and Knowledge-based error (when decision-makers work analytically in novel situations).

How do internal factors contribute to human error?

Internal factors such as a person’s personality, character, temperament, motivation, skill, and knowledge can influence the likelihood of human error. For example, a lack of motivation or insufficient skill could increase the risk of making mistakes.

How do external factors contribute to human error?

External factors, including equipment, resource management, design, and environmental conditions, can also contribute to human error. Poorly designed tools or an uncomfortable working environment can lead to mistakes.

What are some approaches to reducing human error?

Approaches to reducing human error include selection (choosing the right people for the job), training (improving skills at all levels), and redesigning equipment, procedures, and environments (using exclusion, prevention, and fail-safe designs to minimize errors).

What is the significance of selection in reducing human error?

Selection involves hiring individuals with the appropriate skills and capabilities. While this approach can help reduce human error, its limitations include the absence of reliable tests to measure certain skills and abilities.

What is fail-safe design and how does it help reduce human error?

Fail-safe design aims to reduce the consequences of an error by incorporating features that minimize the impact of mistakes. For example, a hot water dispenser may include a safety lock to prevent accidental burns, ensuring that even if an error occurs, the consequences are mitigated.

What methods are used to analyze human error?

Human error can be analyzed through task analysis (describing the tasks required to achieve system goals), error identification and prediction (recognizing potential errors), and using human error analysis tools like fault tree diagrams, which outline the events that could lead to an undesirable outcome.