5.3 - Team-Based Human Factors Challenges

 


In 1903, 80% of aviation accidents were caused by equipment; however, as reliability has increased, accidents are rarely caused by technology.  Now, 80% of accidents and incidents are caused by human factors.  Its estimated 50% of delays due to engine issues are caused by maintenance errors, which cost the airlines up to $9000 per hour (Rankin, 2007) 

 






What are human Factors?

•        Communication problems

•        Compliancy

•        Lack of Knowledge

•        Distractions

•        Lack of Teamwork Pressure

•        Lack of Assertiveness

•        Stress

•        Lack of awareness

•        Norms

 

Reducing human error is a team effort. From many of the items listed above, we can see that many of them deal with the entire group: cultural norms, communications, and teamwork.    To reduce human factors, training is essential.  By properly training your team, you can avoid complacency, reduce distractions, and increase knowledge.  By talking to your team and increasing morale, you can decrease stress and reduce communication problems.

References

Boeing. (2016). Maintenance Error Decision Aid (MEDA) User’s Guide. Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/maintenance_hf/library/documents/media/media/MEDA%20Users%20Guide%20rev_January%202016_v2.pdf

Federal Aviation Administration. (2014, September). Operators Manual: Human Factors in Aviation Maintenance. Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/maintenance_hf/library/documents/media/human_factors_maintenance/hf_ops_manual_2014.pdf

Molloy, G. J., & O'Boyle, C. A. (2005, February). The SHEL Model: A Useful Tool for Analyzing and Teaching the Contribution of Human Factors to Medical Error. Academic Medicine, 80(2), 152-155. Retrieved from https://journals.lww.com/academicmedicine/fulltext/2005/02000/the_shel_model__a_useful_tool_for_analyzing_and.9.aspx#JCL1-4

Rankin, W. (2007). MEDA Investigation Process. Aero Magazine(2.07), 15-21. Retrieved from https://www.boeing.com/commercial/aeromagazine/articles/qtr_2_07/AERO_Q207_article3.pdf

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