Reducing Human Error through Root Cause Analysis

Yes, it’s true that 70-80% of problems will contain human error as a component. It’s, therefore, no surprise that we often see “human error” cited, incorrectly, as a root cause? In other words, while human error is a category of causes, it IS NOT a root cause.  While we may not always be able to find out the detailed reason for the error, if a search for root causes isn’t conducted it is likely the errors (and the same problem) will occur again in the future.

There are basically 3 ways to deal with human error.

1.  Eliminate the human from the process,
2.  Change the human so they won’t make the error again, or
3.  Change the process so the opportunity for a mistake to occur or escape is minimized.

While #s 1 & 2 are sometimes possible, it’s #3 where energy will usually need to be spent and will be more productive.

This Live webinar by industry expert Dukes Okes will show how to diagnose the causes of human error and provide several taxonomies of causes and sequences that can be used. Duke will also provide recommendations for improving the interview process, which is an important component of human problem diagnosis. Additionally, Duke will provide solutions and how they can be applied at different levels of the cause-problem-impact stack.

Attendees will also get additional resources for learning about human error, including references to highly reputed authors and trainers on the subject along with recommended internet resources.

Webinar Objectives

Human errors are created when an individual (or group) behavior is different than what was required to create the desired outcome. But whether the difference was caused by something related to the individual or by the system in which they were working (e.g., erroneous information was provided) calls for a different response.

Relevant human factors may be physical or cognitive, as well as temporary or permanent. Workplace system factors can be due to the design of processes (e.g., equipment, information) or how well those processes are maintained or managed.

Root cause analyses then need to consider these different causal paths so that corrective actions can be directed at the actual root causes, rather than what may seem expedient or easy.

Webinar Agenda

• Why human error is not a root cause
• Why root causes must be found
• Categories and taxonomies of human error
• Diagnosing human error
• Solution options for human error

Webinar Highlights

• Categories of problem causes
• Combinations of causes
• The importance of taxonomies or checklists for diagnosis
• Techniques for helping increase interview accuracy
• Visual tools for documenting the error analysis
• Six solution options
• Consciously choosing level of solution application
• Additional recommended resources

Who Should Attend

• Manufacturing and production operations managers and supervisors
• Quality, manufacturing and industrial engineers
• Managers of quality, safety and environmental processes
• Root cause and corrective action coordinators
• Anyone involved in trying to reduce human errors in operations or office/administrative processes