Question

What are two common forms of human errors? Describe where each one results from. Describe their differences. How do we prevent these errors from occurring using the concepts discussed in class

Answer 1

What are the two common forms of human errors? Describe where each one results from. Describe their differences. How do we prevent these errors from occurring using the concepts discussed in class

The most common forms of human errors are,

1. Slips and lapses
2. Mistakes

Slips and lapses: It occurs when a person is doing an activity that is repetitive and or is carried out without conscious attention such as signing hundreds of papers or driving a vehicle. In such cases, slips or lapses might occur when attention is missed during the activity.

Mistakes: It occurs when the person doing the task does the wrong thing assuming that he/she is doing the right thing. It could be because of lack of knowledge, the stress in terms of number of tasks or less time for tasks, etc.,

They are similar in the sense that both involve doing the wrong thing instead of the right. There is a difference such as slips and lapses being due to lack of conscious attention, and mistakes were due to loss of conscious attention while doing the task. Both can be prevented.

Slips and lapses can be avoided by keeping track of activities, having a checklist and going by a procedure during work. Having a logical flow and minimizing distractions at work can help reduce slips and lapses. Mistakes can be avoided by having high awareness during error-prone tasks and having aids or people who can assist at work until errors are minimized or eliminated.