Tarkastusväsymys

Tarkastusväsymys is a Finnish term that translates into English as “inspection fatigue.” It refers to a psychological and perceptual phenomenon in which prolonged or repeated examination of objects, processes, or information leads to a decrease in the quality and effectiveness of the inspection. The word is composed of tarkastus, meaning “inspection” or “check,” and väsymys, meaning “fatigue” or “tiredness,” thereby highlighting the combative relationship between careful scrutiny and human endurance.

The phenomenon typically arises in contexts that require sustained attention to repetitive or highly detailed tasks. Common trigger factors include long work hours, high workload, exposure to similar visual or auditory stimuli, and the lack of variety in tasks. Cognitive fatigue, eye strain, and monotonous environments all play a role in the gradual degradation of vigilance and accuracy that characterises tarkastusväsymys.

Notably, inspection fatigue can lead to errors in product quality control, safety verification, and regulatory compliance. Misidentification of defects, missed anomalies, and reduced situational awareness are frequently reported consequences. In safety‑critical industries such as aviation, healthcare, and nuclear power, even a single lapse in inspection due to fatigue can have severe ramifications.

Mitigation strategies are therefore essential. Rotating tasks, incorporating scheduled breaks, using automated detection systems, and providing ergonomic workstations help alleviate fatigue. Training programs that emphasize awareness of fatigue symptoms and encourage proactive management of workload are also employed. In some sectors, technology such as machine vision or artificial intelligence serves as a secondary reviewer, complementing human judgment and reducing the risk of oversight.

Tarkastusväsymys is a focus of research in occupational psychology, ergonomics, and industrial engineering. Studies examine its prevalence across different occupations, model its underlying cognitive mechanisms, and evaluate interventions. While the term originates in Finnish, the concept is widely recognised internationally, often discussed under the umbrella of human factors and safety engineering.