Human error

Human error refers to a mistake made by a human being rather than a failure of a machine or system. It is a significant concept in various fields, including psychology, engineering, medicine, and aviation. Human error can result from a variety of factors, including cognitive overload, fatigue, lack of knowledge, and environmental conditions.

Types of Human Error

Human errors can be broadly categorized into two types: slips and lapses and mistakes.

• Slips and Lapses: These occur when a person intends to perform one action but inadvertently performs another. Slips are often the result of attention failures, while lapses are due to memory failures.
• Mistakes: These occur when a person makes a wrong decision or follows a wrong plan of action. Mistakes can be further divided into rule-based mistakes and knowledge-based mistakes.

Causes of Human Error

Several factors can contribute to human error, including:

• Cognitive Overload: When a person is overwhelmed with too much information or too many tasks, it can lead to errors.
• Fatigue: Lack of sleep or physical exhaustion can impair a person's ability to perform tasks accurately.
• Lack of Knowledge: Inadequate training or unfamiliarity with a task can result in errors.
• Environmental Conditions: Poor lighting, noise, and other environmental factors can affect a person's performance.

Human Error in Different Fields

Aviation

In aviation, human error is a leading cause of aircraft accidents. Pilots, air traffic controllers, and maintenance personnel can all contribute to errors that may lead to accidents. The Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) collects and analyzes reports of human error to improve safety.

Medicine

In medicine, human error can lead to medical errors, which can have serious consequences for patients. Errors can occur in diagnosis, treatment, and medication administration. Efforts to reduce medical errors include checklists, standardized procedures, and simulation training.

Engineering

In engineering, human error can result in system failures and accidents. Engineers use human factors engineering to design systems that minimize the likelihood of human error. This includes designing user-friendly interfaces and providing adequate training.

Prevention and Mitigation

Several strategies can be employed to prevent and mitigate human error:

• Training and Education: Providing comprehensive training and continuous education can help reduce errors.
• Checklists and Standard Operating Procedures: Using checklists and standardized procedures can ensure that tasks are performed correctly.
• Automation: Automating repetitive and complex tasks can reduce the likelihood of human error.
• Human Factors Engineering: Designing systems and environments that take into account human capabilities and limitations can help prevent errors.

See Also

• Human factors
• Cognitive bias
• Risk management
• Safety engineering
• System accident