ABSTRACT
Humans are obviously fundamental to the process of manufacturing a product, from commissioning it to using it via design and manufacture. However, we have a number of characteristics that can interfere with this process, and which may be regarded as negative human reliabilities. These include the following:
1 We make mistakes. 2 We behave unpredictably. 3 We are tired, inattentive or preoccupied with other issues, for example, family problems
or job security concerns. 4 We may feel safety is ‘uncool’ and it is not macho to follow safety procedures, such as
wearing protective equipment. 5 We may not be aware of the hazards associated with our work-the possible result of
poor training or lack of communication. 6 We may underestimate the risks involved. 7 We may rationalise the hazard, believing ‘it won’t happen to me’. 8 We may feel uncomfortable with the ‘low’ level of risk we are experiencing and decide
to do something about it (often referred to as Risk Compensation). 9 We may cut corners or otherwise deviate from safety procedures, either because we
will gain some personal benefit-getting home earlier, receiving a bonus, a favourable report at the next staff evaluation, and so on-or because we believe we are acting for the good of our employer, such as finishing the job earlier to avoid penalties (a situation known as conflicting rewards).
