State of science: evolving perspectives on 'human error'

Gemma J. M Read; Steven Shorrock; Guy H Walker; Paul M Salmon

doi:10.1080/00140139.2021.1953615

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State of science: evolving perspectives on 'human error'

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

State of science: evolving perspectives on 'human error'

Gemma J. M Read, Steven Shorrock, Guy H Walker and Paul M Salmon

Ergonomics, Vol.64(9), pp.1091-1114

2021

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00140139.2021.1953615

PMID: 34243698

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Abstract

accident analysis

complex systems

future of ergonomics

Human error

systems thinking

This paper reviews the key perspectives on human error and analyses the core theories and methods developed and applied over the last 60 years. These theories and methods have sought to improve our understanding of what human error is, and how and why it occurs, to facilitate the prediction of errors and use these insights to support safer work and societal systems. Yet, while this area of Ergonomics and Human Factors (EHF) has been influential and long-standing, the benefits of the 'human error approach' to understanding accidents and optimising system performance have been questioned. This state of science review analyses the construct of human error within EHF. It then discusses the key conceptual difficulties the construct faces in an era of systems EHF. Finally, a way forward is proposed to prompt further discussion within the EHF community.

Details

Title: State of science: evolving perspectives on 'human error'
Authors: Gemma J. M Read (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Centre for Human Factors and Systems Science
Steven Shorrock (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Centre for Human Factors and Systems Science
Guy H Walker (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Centre for Human Factors and Systems Science
Paul M Salmon (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Centre for Human Factors and Systems Science
Publication details: Ergonomics, Vol.64(9), pp.1091-1114
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Date published: 2021
DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2021.1953615
ISSN: 1366-5847
PMID: 34243698
Copyright note: © 2021 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. The terms on which this article has been published allow the posting of the Accepted Manuscript in a repository by the author(s) or with their consent.
Grants: A modelling approach to support the safe introduction of automated vehicles into the road transport system, DE180101449, Australian Research Council (Australia, Canberra) - ARC
Grant note: Guy Walker’s contribution to this work was funded through the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council project Centre for Sustainable Road Freight [EP/R035199/1]
Organisation Unit: Centre for Human Factors and Systems Science; School of Health - Psychology; School of Law and Society
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99571607402621
Output Type: Journal article

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99 Times Cited - Web of Science

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Engineering, Industrial; Ergonomics; Psychology; Psychology, Applied

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