H-FILES

Human Factors that Increase the Likelihood of Error (H-FILES)

Human Factors that Increase the Likelihood of Error (H-FILES) also contribute to the Loss of Situational Awareness (SA).

The H-FILES may seem obvious but past incidents have demonstrated how difficult they are to manage. The aim of this series is to create awareness and provide controls or countermeasures to address the H-FILES. It consists of webinars and custom videos. We then use the REC Model to discuss each factor: Recognize, Evaluate, and Control.

Situational Awareness Framework

The 3 Models below form the Framework of the 7 Safety Habits for Life.

The 1st Model entitled 7 Safety Habits for Life outlines the safety knowledge needed to protect yourself and your team. The goal is to create common knowledge and a common mindset.

The 2nd Model Situational Awareness is the 7th Habit. It outlines the 5 Step SA Model and includes Situational Awareness at the individual and team level.

The 3rd Model H-FILES (Human Factors that Increase the Likelihood of Error) contribute to the Loss of Situational Awareness. These factors undermine the strategy outlined in models 1 & 2.

Model 1

7 Safety Habits for Life

Individual / Team – Knowledge

Think Safety’s HARD
Wear the Gear
Avoid the Shortcuts
Send the Message
Support the Team
Recognize the Blame Game
Situational Awareness

Model 2

Situational Awareness

The 7th Habit SA – Process

Observe
Process
Plan
Decide
Act

Model 3

The Loss of SA

Awareness
Pace
Stress
Focus
Multi-tasking
Communication
Distraction
Frustration
Fatigue
Confidence

Using the Framework

The idea behind the models is to create a cognitive aid, support training, and promote the application of the concepts.

1. Learn the 7 Safety Habits and apply them on and off the job. The 7 Safety Habits create a universal level of safety knowledge. A framework to discuss and promote the safety management system (traditional safety and human error). (See 7 Safety Habits page for additional information)

2. Develop your Situational Awareness (SA) skills using the 5 Step Process above. Once again the idea is to apply the concepts on and off the job. (See situational Awareness page for additional information)

3. The H-FILES disc outline 10 human factors that increase the likelihood of error and the loss of situational awareness. Using the REC Model we evaluate each factor and establish controls, helping to improve safety performance and culture.