ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we are focusing on ways to proactively reduce the risk of human error in the field. This involves an exploration and understanding of the work environment people see on a daily basis. How do we identify existing and potential workplace hazards? What do we do when they are identified? Do we mitigate, compensate, or eliminate them?
In this chapter, we explore what we call the top ten contributors to human decision errors:
Ineffective supervision
Lack of an accountability system
Distractive environment
Work stress/time pressure
Overconfidence
First-time task management
Imprecise communication
Vague or incorrect guidance
Training deficiencies
New technology.
We will never rid ourselves of the risk of human error, but there is much we can do about understanding the conditions that increase the risk of human error, and take actions to prevent those conditions from materializing. We can also design our systems to accommodate human error. If an identified failure were to occur, how can design our systems so they fail safely, protecting the human and physical assets?
