So what do we know for sure about human error?
Once we stopped using human error as an explanation for why bad things happen and started studying how we might address human error as a manageable risk, basic principles about humans and human error were developed.
The Department of Energy Human Performance Improvement Handbooks (Volumes 1 & 2) explore an approach to managing human error in high consequence environments and industries. They identify 5 principles about humans that influence human behavior and the potential for error. The first of these principles states that “All humans are fallible and even the best make mistakes”.
While this may seem obvious, there are many contradictions evident in our management of human error in the workplace. Our reaction to human error seems to indicate that we believe that better employees make fewer mistakes.
We see evidence of employers sanctioning workers who make mistakes that result in bad outcomes. This outdated approach to managing human error continues to leave us vulnerable to unwanted outcomes.
Blaming the worker does not fix the problem.
What is your approach to human error in the workplace?
Does it need updating?
We value your feedback.