Continuing this series on the benefits of practically applying the Human Organizational Performance (HOP) approach to work environments (especially when establishing safety programs), this article will continue to expound upon the first principle of HOP: acknowledging that errors are a normal part of humans performing any task or role. To make occasional mistakes is an inherent quality of imperfect beings and is not something that can ever be expected to be eliminated. Despite their inevitability, there is a tendency in professional settings to view errors as a sign of incompetence or failure. This perspective is misguided and can lead to negative consequences, including low morale, high levels of job-related stress, and job dissatisfaction.
There are several reasons why error is normal and should be expected. First, humans are fallible creatures. We are subject to a range of limitations, including physical and cognitive limitations, which make errors more likely to occur. For example, fatigue, stress, and distractions can all impact our ability to perform tasks accurately, leading to errors. Similarly, our cognitive biases and heuristics can cause us to make errors in judgment and decision-making, even when we are trying to be careful and deliberate.
Second, the sheer complexity of many tasks and systems operating consecutively means that the odds are higher that an unintended result will transpire. In complex systems, there are often multiple factors that can influence the outcome of a task or process, and it is impossible to account for all of them. “Unforeseen” events are deemed so because they cannot be predicted, but they will inevitably occur when any process is carried out over an indefinable amount of time.
Finally, just as no human is perfect, no system is perfect. Errors will occur because every method or environment will contain some weakness. Instead of spending effort on the impossible task of trying to eradicate all possibility of any fault ever occurring, a more productive endeavor would be to treat them as an opportunity for learning and improvement.
Recognizing that error should be anticipated has important implications for various settings. In healthcare, for example, the concept of the “just culture” recognizes that mistakes are inevitable and seeks to promote a culture of psychological safety that encourages reporting and learning, while also holding individuals accountable for willful or reckless behavior. This approach recognizes that individuals should not be blamed for errors that occur due to factors outside of their control, such as system or process issues.
Similarly, in aviation, there is the concept of Crew Resource Management (CRM). This approach encourages communication and collaboration among crew members to identify and address potential errors before they occur. In practice, the recognition that errors can be prevented through effective communication and teamwork makes for more constant improvement than expecting perfect performance at all times.
In all these contexts, recognizing that error is normal and expected can lead to a more productive and positive approach to development. Rather than perceiving setbacks as a sign of failure, individuals and organizations can take them as an opportunity for learning and improvement. By adopting a more constructive approach that diminishes negative consequences for minor mistakes, safety can be promoted and performance motivated.
AUTHOR BIO:-
Cary comes to the SafetyStratus team as the Vice President of Operations with almost 30 years of experience in several different industries. He began his career in the United States Navy’s nuclear power program. From there he transitioned into the public sector as an Environmental, Health & Safety Manager in the utility industry. After almost thirteen years, he transitioned into the construction sector as a Safety Director at a large, international construction company. Most recently he held the position of Manager of Professional Services at a safety software company, overseeing the customer success, implementation, and process consulting aspects of the services team.
At SafetyStratus, he is focused on helping achieve the company’s vision of “Saving lives and the environment by successfully integrating knowledgeable people, sustainable processes, and unparalleled technology”.s vision of “Saving lives and the environment by successfully integrating knowledgeable people, sustainable processes, and unparalleled technology”.
