Define human error, and explain the HFACS method used to classify human error and how HFACS can be both reactive and proactive.

Human Error:

Webster Dictionary says it is a person's mistake rather than on the failure of a machine. The accident blamed on human error. Invented by Oxford Dictionary is making of an error as an inevitable or natural result of being human; the making of a mistake by a person, especially (in later use) as contrasted with a mechanical or electronic malfunction; (as a count noun) a failure of this type also defined by Intentional or unintentional actions or behaviors of human that fails planned operations to achieve desired outcomes.

Example: Failure of ignition of a not serviced Car for 2 Years can be an outcome Human Error related to non-servicing of Car, while a serviced Car ignition failure is related to machine error.

Example2: A cup broken while it slipped during cleaning is an unintentional Human Error.

HFACS Method used to classify human errors:

The Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS) rectify the reasons for an accident and provide a tool and process to organize the mistakes, investigate the errors and its causes and Target the needed training effort as well as the prevention of Human Error.

This developed by behavioral scientists in the United States Navy, namely Drs. Wiegmann and Shappell based on the Swiss-cheese model of Accident Theory developed by Dr. James Reason.

The Swiss-cheese model below (Figure 1) looks at a systematic approach to an accident reasoning. The plan views a human error as an indication of some big problem in the organization, not the cause of the accident.

In an organization set up, precautions and barriers set up to prevent any adverse events. It is highly effective, and these multiple barriers needed. Rationally the theory says that many organizations have adopted four separate kinds of obstacles. These four kinds or levels of walls are sequential, which means the uppermost level affects the levels below. With each level of failure, holes cause safety in barriers.

These failures can either be either active or latent.

Active Failures are the which occurs immediately before an accident and straightforward impacting events.

Latent Failures: are those who are removed temporally from the event and do not shows any direct impact.