The Black Box: How Can We Mitigate Human Errors?
According to research, more than 80 percent of aviation-related accidents can be attributed to human error. In a high-risk environment like aviation, it is therefore crucial to focus on ways to mitigate and perhaps even prevent these errors. But what can we do?
The Black Box. A cylindrical or square shaped object which is essentially not black, but bright orange. Nevertheless, the black box contains data which is crucial to determining the causes of aircraft accidents. After the fact. But the box also plays a significant role in improving safety and efficiency within the industry. In the future. Especially, if the cause of the accident is human error.
This article examines what aviation professionals can do to limit the risk and impact of human errors and subsequent accidents. Exactly like the black box.
Uncover the Root, Examine the Cause
Every pilot, cabin crew member, aircraft mechanic, or airline manager has committed errors when performing their jobs. This is an inevitable and indisputable fact. Errors can vary in severity and consequence. However, the goal is not to eradicate errors entirely as this proves impossible. The goal is essentially to learn from the mistakes that have been made to prevent them from occurring in the future.
A crucial part of mitigating human errors in the operational environment is to perform Root Cause Analyses. If aviation organisations allocate resources to examine and analyse in-house incidents and accidents and their underlying causes, it becomes much easier to develop and execute strategies for efficient and safe error mitigation.
It could also prove beneficial to examine historical accidents and identify the patterns related to human errors. This enables your organisation to tailor the training and procedures according to best practice.
The ultimate consequence of human error is fatal accidents. We can never
completely eradicate accidents. But we can study and learn from them.
It Takes a Village…
The safety of the aviation industry rests upon a joint effort to share experiences, highlight common errors, and explore collaborative initiatives to ensure the safety of passengers, crew, and staff. In the air and on the ground.
Organisations within aviation could benefit from participating in or establishing networks where they can discuss topics related to human error. This keeps the issue top of mind and ensures continuous improvements based on the input they receive from others with similar experiences.
Read more: The Human Factor: When Humans Make Mistakes…
Interactive Training and Proactive Strategies
Human error is inextricably linked to the field of human factors. Essentially, human factors encompass the individual capabilities, limitations, and behaviours which we reflect in our daily work. These factors contribute to the likelihood and occurrence of errors.
It is crucial to understand and address human factors in order to design training programmes, procedures, and practices which mitigate the risk of human errors.
Interactive training, such as the MAYDAY Active Learning Tools, supports this process by addressing and enhancing non-technical skills in teamwork, communication, leadership, decision-making, and situational awareness. Skills which play a pivotal role in limiting the risk and impact of human error.
Furthermore, MAYDAY contributes to developing and sustaining a strong safety culture where pilots, crew members, and maintenance staff feel comfortable and confident reporting errors without fear of reprimands. This makes it much easier for management to collect reports, develop strategies, and tailor training programmes to mitigate human errors and improve the overall safety.
Read more: How to Promote a Just Safety Culture
It does not always require a black box to investigate human errors. In fact, organisations can take preventive and proactive measures such as interactive training in human factors and safety to mitigate human errors.
By learning from past mistakes and embracing potential errors, we can move towards a safer and more efficient industry.
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