The Basics of Human Error Analysis-Where to Place the Blame

Abstract

In most applications Human Error Analysis as a practice does not exist. When the result of a particular mishap investigation is identified as human error there is usually no further analysis. It appears that human errors are accepted to be an integral part of human-machine systems. The end result of this attitude is that human error has been blamed as causing a mishap far too often. I.E., mishap investigators, when confronted with complex situations, opt for human error as an easy way out, because they know no one will argue. Essentially to name human error as the cause of a mishap is tantamount to admitting that no other cause can satisfactorily be found. This is not an acceptable situation. A structured analysis approach is presented which will enable the mishap investigator to identify tangible causes which otherwise would have been termed human error. further a means of solving pure human error cases is suggested.