How can you account for human error in risk assessment models?

1 Define human error

Human error is not a single concept, but a broad term that covers different types of mistakes, slips, lapses, or violations that people make while performing a task or process. Some human errors are unintentional, such as forgetting a step or pressing the wrong button. Others are intentional, such as breaking a rule or ignoring a warning. To account for human error in your risk assessment models, you need to define what kind of human error you are dealing with, what causes it, and what effects it has.

2 Identify human error sources

Human error can originate from various sources, such as human factors, environmental factors, organizational factors, or technical factors. Human factors include the physical, psychological, and cognitive characteristics of the people involved in the task or process. Environmental factors include the external conditions, such as noise, temperature, lighting, or distractions. Organizational factors include the culture, policies, procedures, roles, and responsibilities of the organization. Technical factors include the design, functionality, reliability, and usability of the equipment, tools, or software. To identify human error sources, you need to analyze the task or process in detail, using methods such as task analysis, process mapping, or failure mode and effects analysis.

5 Monitor and review human error performance

Human error performance is the actual outcome of the human error in your task or process. It is the result of the interaction between the human error probability and the human error prevention and mitigation strategies. To monitor and review human error performance, you need to collect and analyze data on the human error incidents, such as their frequency, causes, effects, and corrective actions. You also need to compare the human error performance with the human error expectations, such as the HEP, the risk assessment models, or the organizational goals. This will help you identify the gaps, trends, and opportunities for improvement.

6 Update and improve your risk assessment models

Your risk assessment models are not static, but dynamic and evolving. They need to be updated and improved regularly, based on the feedback and learning from the human error performance. You need to review and adjust your HEP, your risk events, your risk levels, and your risk responses, to reflect the current and future state of your task or process. You also need to incorporate new human error sources, prevention and mitigation strategies, or performance indicators, as they emerge or change. This will help you enhance the accuracy, reliability, and usefulness of your risk assessment models.