Introduction to Human Factors

Human factors acknowledges the universal nature of human fallibility. The traditional approach to human error assumes that if workers care enough, work hard enough, and are sufficiently well trained, errors will be avoided. Experience tells us that this attitude is counter-productive and does not work.

Human factors is a discipline that seeks to optimise the relationship between technology and humans, applying information about human behaviour, abilities, limitations and other characteristics to the design of tools, machines, systems, tasks, jobs, and environments for effective, productive, safe and comfortable human use.

Human factors issues are major contributors to adverse events in health care and can lead to serious and sometimes fatal consequences. However, the health care system can be made safer by recognising the potential for error, and by developing systems and strategies to learn from mistakes so as to minimise their occurrence and effects.