Title: Error Management combining people and systems

Author(s): Ludmila Musalova, Michael Wright, Rebecca Canham

Publication Event: Proceedings of the Twenty-sixth Safety-Critical Systems Symposium, York, UK

Publication Date: 2018-01-11

Resource URL: https://scsc.uk/r930.pdf

Abstract:

A significant amount of attention has focused on enhancing understanding of Human Error, both as a potential cause of incidents and for managing incident response effectively. Solutions often comprise of ergonomics, user centred design and workforce training. Some industries, including Aviation and Healthcare are adopting a more novel approach to Human Error Management, training their workforce in psychological techniques that support error identification and effective incident response. Such techniques include a heightened awareness of cognitive biases such as ‘groupthink’ and ‘tunnel vision’; the way in which heuristics (mental shortcuts) can influence the decision-making process; and refinement of non-technical skills. Organisations, such as the NHS, recognise the frequency of error occurrence, whether the result of organisational factors, or individual behaviour. Subsequently, all individuals, directly or indirectly involved in frontline operations, are encouraged to identify the potential for human error by critically reviewing the thoughts and actions of themselves, peers and superiors, to enable error prevention and error correction through taught techniques. This paper looks at examples of Error Management Training being applied across high hazard industries and how psychological techniques and non-technical skills overlap to effectively manage Human Error.