Systems for predictive error analysis

It is widely recognised that human error in industrial operations is a major source of risk that needs to be considered when plants are designed, modified or operated. The increasing interest in this area has arisen partly from the occurrence of a number of major accidents where human error has played a significant role, but also as a direct result of recent safety legislation.

What you will learn

A means for the proactive identification of areas where the potential for these errors exist would therefore be very useful.

The paper presented here describes such a tool, the programme for its introduction to a site, and some results of its application and use.

The tool itself assesses the potential for error by systematically assessing the factors which influence human performance and has been designed to be used by plant personnel with minimum training.

It is introduced into a plant in conjunction with the workforce, who have an active part in its application, and once this has been done they become owners and users of the tool.