Tool Box Talk: Putting Mind Over Human Error

Putting Mind Over Human Error

Accidents happen when we least expect them. “Why?” is usually the first question. The common follow-up analysis is, “How could I have let this happen?”

“Delayed intelligence” is a natural thought process following an accident or unpleasant event that can be explained by our level of thought awareness. Before the incident occurred, we likely were operating in “automatic.” Our level of thought awareness or attention to details while doing the task was low to numb, and we probably were operating out of habit.

Immediately following the incident, our awareness level was elevated, and we were very attentive to our surroundings and the events that were occurring.

The greater number of accidents that occur can be attributed to human error. OSHA states that “80% to 95% of all accidents occurring in industry are related to human error.” Human error is that momentary lapse of thought that brings us to a critical point, and the accident occurs. When we let our thoughts drift, especially while engaged in potentially hazardous activities, accidents are waiting to happen.

Three Levels

Can accidents be prevented? Yes, there is a way to reduce the risk of human error and thereby prevent accidents. It involves a willingness to stay attentive to situations and the environment. There are three levels of thought management that can provide a “cognitive roadmap” or a type of barometer, to help gauge where we are with our thoughts and level of attentiveness.

“Automatic” is the lowest level of thought management. When in automatic, we’re operating out of habit. In automatic, we continue to take actions without actively thinking about what is going on or what might happen. We make the assumption that we are in a safe place, making other thoughts unnecessary.

Common experiences, such as driving a vehicle, take place without constant active thought. We likely drive everyday, and without much variance. Can you remember driving along and missing a turn, or passing a common landmark and not remembering that you passed it? This is an example of being in automatic.

Because a lack of readiness to respond exists when in automatic, the risk is much higher for a human error or accident to occur. Distractions tend to create opportunities for automatic thinking and behaviours. Simply stated, when we’re distracted our heads and hands are not in the same place. We’re still able to continue with the task, but our mind is on the distraction.

Again, this is the perfect time and place for a human error to occur.

“Focused” is the next level of awareness. It’s the active thinking level.

While focused we’re fully conscious of what’s happening and are attentive to situations and events. When focused, we’re actively thinking and our state of readiness prepares us to deal with challenges that need to be addressed. At the focused awareness level, our minds have us ready for the commonly described “fight or flight” action step.

Taking control at this point involves active thinking. Through controlled focusing, we are able to pay attention to challenges or situations. We’re aware of the events, and can start to manage them to the best of our abilities. Our awareness level is high, and our attention is directed. We’re in tune with what we are doing. Our actions are directed to managing the situation or event and achieving a productive outcome.

“Options” is the third and highest level of thought awareness. Creativity, a standard at this level, contributes greatly to the problem-solving effort.

Problem solving best occurs when we’re focused and able to bring options into play. The opportunity for new information and ideas emerge, diminishing human errors by lowering their risk of occurrence. Accidents and injuries decline and productivity increases. Directed, creative ideas become major contributors once options enter into the thought process.

Thought Process

Accident prevention starts with our thinking. Take time to know and understand these three levels of thought awareness. Be able to assess where our thoughts are and work to put ourselves in the focused position before starting any hazardous task.

Human error could virtually be eliminated if everyone consistently practiced this process:

Before starting a task, we need to raise our awareness level to focused, maintain active thinking, and keep our heads and hands in the same place until the task is complete.

By: Michael S. Haro, PhD; President and Founder of the Self Coaching Centre

Thanks for the share, TO!