Performance Influencing Factors (PIFs) is another term, from across the pond, for error traps. You will see me use these terms interchangeably in my HF postings, as I was formally trained to use the term PIFs, but these days it seems we use the term trap. But after spending a year working with an organization…...
PIFs and Error Traps Read More »
In light of the tragedy in Greece this week, I think it is time to share this video from Lund University’s College of Human Factors Engineering again. Be sure to check out all of Johan Bergström’s videos on YouTube. A term in HFE seldom gets mentioned during accident investigations, as most will say it, “muddies…...
Was it “technical failure” or “human error”? Read More »
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Human Factors 101… when you see it Read More »
I have mentioned this fundamental HF design need in several of my postings. CONSISTENCY is key in helping reduce human error. I like to use STOP signs as my example. But here are some fundamental principles when analyzing computer screens, workplace signs, etc., when it comes to COLORS…… Membership Required You must be a member...
CONSISTENCY matters in HFE (Colors) Read More »
Most adults have used an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card in their lifetime. But these machines, as high-tech as we imagined they were back in the day, had a design flaw that caused a lot of users a lot of trouble. Human Error Problem: ATM users would insert their cards, request cash, take it, and…...
Human Factors Engineering and your ATM Card Read More »
I share this in my training classes as this is an example that most adults can relate to… We have all seen pics and videos of humans forgetting to remove the fuel hose from their vehicle and driving off, often creating serious hazards. But about 20 years ago, a very simple device was invented that…...
Simple Engineering Control to allow failing safely (Gas Pump drive offs) Read More »
This is one of my favorite principles of Human Factors. But be careful sharing this, as most organizations with an immature SMS do not like it when they realize the truth of this principle and its statements about the organization. Organizations are perfectly tuned to get the results they are getting… Membership Required You must...
Organizations are perfectly tuned to get the results they are getting (Muschara, 2018) Read More »
In Tony Muschara’s 2018 book Risk-Based Thinking, Managing the Uncertainty of Human Error in Operations he so eloquently lays out how “risk-based thinking” has to become a belief and value within senior leadership, such that they are guided by safety in their decisions, responses, and behavior choices. Muschara has his seven (7) principles of risk-based…...
Muschara’s seven principles of Risk-Based Thinking Read More »
There is a common phrase in Human Factors Engineering… “Error Trap.” This is the image we will put next to this phrase in my new book… (i.e., an actual real-life “error trap” door). Scenario: Your singing your favorite song in the shower. The spouse needs to go down to the basement and start a load…...
A real life “error trap” Read More »
Three (3) things that a Human Error is NOT: a sin an event, and most importantly a root cause Tony Muschara, Risk-Based Thinking Managing the Uncertainty of Human Error in Operations, 2018… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...
Three (3) things that a Human Error is NOT Read More »
There is a common phrase in Human Factors Engineering… “Error Trap.” This is the image we will put next to this phrase in my new book… (i.e., an actual real-life “error trap” door). Scenario: Your singing your favorite song in the shower. The spouse needs to go down to the basement and start a load…...
Human Factors 101… when you see it (a virtual error trap) Read More »
Over the past several years, I have focused on my SMS/HF postings rather than the traditional technical postings. Being a safety pro means we wear many hats. I break these down into just two (2) main categories: 1) Technical and 2) Management Systems, including the soft skills we need to possess. Those who have followed…...
Reason’s take on the causes of Bhopal, Challenger, Chernobyl (Active & Latent Failures) Read More »
