Chapter 7 - Human Error & Behavioural Safety

Question 1

What factors greatly affect the performance of the industry?

Answer 1

Human factors as well as the social characteristics of the work group and its members.

Question 2

What causes unsafe acts?

Answer 2

Human error and behaviour.

Question 3

What are the two categories of human failure?

Answer 3

1. Human Error
   1.1 Skill-based errors (examples are slips and lapses)
   1.2 Mistakes (rule-based & knowledge-based)
2. Violations

Question 4

Define “Human Error.”

Answer 4

Human error is unintended actions or decision which are not exactly violations that are deliberate in nature.

Question 5

What are “slips”? Give examples.

Answer 5

Slips - are not doing what you are supposed to do.

Examples:
- omitting one or few steps of a process
- doing things too fast
- doing things too slow
- not putting a PPE
- performing a task in the wrong direction
- checking a measuring dial and noting a wrong value etc.

Question 6

What are “lapses”? Give examples.

Answer 6

Lapses - are forgetting to do the things.

Examples:
- taking a mask to talk and later forgetting to wear it
- forgetting to switch off an equipment
- forgetting to turn off the stove etc.

Question 7

When do slips and lapses usually occur?

Answer 7

• if the person is highly familiar to the task and will perform thoughtlessly
• when the majority work is done and only the last few steps are left with
• lot of interruptions while working etc.

Question 8

How to prevent slips and lapses?

Answer 8

• Using checklists
• making the layout sequentially
• applying the policy of not using phones while working
• apply engineering controls like bar code readers after each step etc.

Question 9

Define “Mistakes.” Give examples.

Answer 9

Mistakes are failures in decision making which are either rule based or knowledge based and we do things wrongly thinking that it is right.

Examples:
- wrong overtaking while driving
- entering a road in the wrong side etc.

Question 10

When do mistakes happen?

Answer 10

Mistakes happen when a person is doing many things at the same time and working against the pressure of time to complete.
This often happens due to environmental conditions, social issues, individual stress, equipment problems etc.

Question 11

How to avoid mistakes?

Answer 11

Rule-based mistakes can be avoided by providing situational awareness.

Knowledge-based mistakes can be avoided by effective supervision and instructions.

Question 12

What are “Violations”? Give examples.

Answer 12

Violations - are thoughtfully doing wrong things and causes a lot of accidents.

Examples are:
- not wearing seat belts
- not using harness in scaffolding
- allowing untrained drivers to drive
- working without goggles
- working under peer pressure
- thinking as rules are too strict and unwanted and fail to follow etc.

Question 13

How to control violations?

Answer 13

Violations can be controlled by:
- routine monitoring and supervision
- convince the workers about the rules
- make the environment more conducive for workers
- provide continuous training
- encourage the workers to report their problems

Question 14

What is the purpose of behavioural safety?

Answer 14

Behavioural safety is aimed at prevention or avoidance of unconscious unsafe behaviour that has resulted from habit formation of doing thing wrongly.

Question 15

What does inappropriate behaviour lead to?

Answer 15

A significant number of accidents.

Question 16

What is the role that safety managers play in behavioural safety?

Answer 16

Safety managers must clearly define what is safe and unsafe behaviour and provide feedback.

Question 17

What are the different approaches to giving behavioural safety training?

Answer 17

• by systematic and continuous improvement
• based on observations and data collection
• based on workers participation
• based on focusing specific unsafe behaviour
• based on focusing feedback on performance
• based on the involvement of data driven decision making

Question 18

What to keep in mind with regard to behavioural safety?

Answer 18

• Do things when it is really needed
• Always develop a network for support and guidance
• Believe that the system that you are working in is your own and act accordingly
• Listen to your employers and peers
• Pilot the process and roll out only after securing completely and when you are fully confident
• Do not underestimate the instructions and plan for safety
• Perform things in the right manner and develop habits

Question 19

How do we develop a positive
safety culture?

Answer 19

• maintaining healthy communication between employers and employees, demonstrating greater commitments by senior managers
• providing higher standards of training
• providing good working conditions
• creating stress-free work atmosphere

Question 20

What are the advantages of behavioural safety?

Answer 20

• reduced accidents
• enhanced quality
• reduced time for completion of a task
• improved efficiency
• good relationship between employers and employees
• good teamwork
• employee engagement and increased commitments