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 »
The Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO) manages the Significant Event and Information Network for its member utilities both within and outside the United States. In 1985 they issued an analysis of 180 significant event reports received in 1983- 84 (INPO 1985). A total of 387 root causes were identified. These were assigned to five…...
INPO Study showed 92% of all root causes were man-made, but don’t fall for the trap Read More »
Human error can be divided into either intentional or unintentional actions. INTENTIONAL actions—those actions that involve conscious choices. These actions are primarily due to judgment or motivational processes. UNINTENTIONAL actions—those in which the right intention or plan is incorrectly carried out or where there is a failure to carry out an action. These actions typically…...
Unintentional errors vs. Intentional errors Read More »
Before disciplining a worker for an “error” or “mistake” that led to undesired consequences, we need to ask ourselves one simple question… How often have we written 2022 when signing checks and documents this year? It is February 15th, 46 days into the new year, yet I just had to correct a document that I…...
Check writing and Human Factors Read More »
