Understanding Human Error

Error is a normal and inevitable part of human performance. Despite our best intentions and training, all humans make errors. The key insight from Human Factors is that errors are not moral failings — they are symptoms of deeper system issues.

A modern view of error recognises that:

• Errors are caused by system factors, not just individual carelessness
• Blaming individuals does not prevent future errors
• Understanding why errors occur is essential for prevention
• Systems should be designed to be resilient to error

The aviation industry has learned that the most effective way to improve safety is not to punish people for making errors, but to understand the conditions that lead to errors and design systems that prevent or catch them before they cause harm.