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Human
Error Models
Human
error has been extensively studied and a great deal is known about
contributing factors and causes. However, the absolute prediction
and elimination of human error is elusive and will probably always
remain so. What is known can be applied to reduce human error
or, at the very least, to reduce its consequences.
There
are several approaches to human error:
- Person
model - This is the traditional approach to human error
that "names, blames, and shames" an individual(s) as
"causing" the accident. The underlying assumption is
that mistakes and errors are the result of negligence, inattention,
carelessness, lack of skill or knowledge, lack or motivation or
one of a host of other faulty, negative mental processes. This
model uses fear and discipline to attempt to improve safety. The
person model considers errors as a "moral" issue that
"bad things happen to bad people."*
- System
model - This model recognizes that there are systemic
contributions to and causes of error. It acknowledges that the
organizational culture, human-to-system interface design, and
environmental elements can create "latent failure" conditions.
These latent failure conditions contribute to human error. The
system model recognizes human limitations and that human error
is inevitable. Therefore, systems should be designed to anticipate
human error and to mitigate its consequences.*
*Reason,
J, "Human error: models and management," BMJ 2000; 320:768-770
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