Ihmisvirhe

Ihmisvirhe is a Finnish term that translates to "human error." It refers to mistakes or unintended actions made by individuals that can lead to deviations from intended outcomes. These errors are a common phenomenon in various fields, including aviation, healthcare, manufacturing, and everyday life.

Human error can be categorized in several ways. One common distinction is between slips and lapses, and mistakes. Slips are execution errors, where the intended action is correct but the execution is faulty, such as accidentally pressing the wrong button. Lapses are memory errors, where a person forgets to perform an intended action. Mistakes, on the other hand, are planning errors, where the intended action itself is incorrect, even if executed perfectly.

The causes of human error are multifaceted. They can stem from cognitive factors like fatigue, stress, distraction, lack of knowledge, or cognitive biases. Environmental factors such as poor design of interfaces, unclear procedures, or inadequate training also contribute. Organizational factors, including pressure to meet deadlines or a culture that discourages reporting errors, can further increase the likelihood of human error.

Understanding and mitigating human error is crucial for improving safety and efficiency. This often involves designing systems that are more forgiving of errors (error-proofing), providing clear and accessible information, effective training, and fostering a culture where errors can be reported and learned from without blame. The goal is not to eliminate human error entirely, which is often impossible, but to reduce its frequency and minimize its consequences.