What Are Some Human Errors That Can Cause Workplace Accidents?

‘To err is human,’ said Alexander Pope. However, we are certain Mr. Pope didn’t refer to erring in a high-risk workplace. In fact, human error accounts for around 90% of workplace accidents. A momentary lapse in judgment can cause injuries, property damage worth thousands of dollars, and in the most unfortunate cases, a fatality.

Worker’s compensation attorneys say understanding the types of human error can help one realize where they stand in their compensation claim.

Without further ado, let’s begin counting them off.

5 Types of Human Error in Workplace

Ignoring Safety Protocols

A blatant disregard for safety is often the major perpetrator. Many times, the safety measures are neglected in favor of getting the work done more quickly.

This is also prevalent when the worker performs the same task every day and the monotony gives, way to absentmindedness. Safety rules are also held in common disregard when a person is multitasking. Switching between different tasks makes the brain prone to slip-ups. So instead, what appears to be a hack to boost productivity actually tampers with attention and can lead to neglecting protocols.

Horseplay

A little joking around at work does no harm but on escalating to horseplay, it is no longer a laughing matter. Fooling around, running, throwing stuff, etc. can cause accidents that would have been otherwise preventable. Horseplay also takes away your and your coworker’s attention from the job at hand, making it all the more dangerous.

Have fun but be responsible and don’t throw caution to the winds.

Tired And Overworked

The absurd amount of hours that many jobs require their employees to put in is definitely another reason that causes a human error. Employees are so utterly tired that it affects their attention. One prominent example is truck drivers who sometimes have to work 12-14 hours a day, nearly 10 of which are behind the wheel. Drivers find it difficult to concentrate on the traffic around them. Some drive drowsy or even fall asleep at the wheel.

Immense Work Pressure

In a similar vein, in Oklahoma and elsewhere companies sometimes set an impossibly high daily goal to make up for understaffing. This again has workers rushing to get things done often without adhering to the necessary protocols. Corners are cut and the quota makes it impossible for employees to spend a reasonable amount of time ensuring the working conditions are safe enough.

Insufficient Training

Employers are often stingy with spending resources on training. Many workers receive little to no training. Often these workshops are cut short and important topics are skipped and rushed through. This leaves the workers unaware of the safety measures they should undertake, making it easier for a grave error to creep in.

Injured at Work? Here’s What You Should Do

For over the 60 years, we have served Oklahoma City folks. Our worker’s compensation attorneys will make sure that you can recover your rightful claim. We offer consultations free of cost. You don’t pay us a penny until we have won your case.

**This content is not legal advice and does not presume, establish or imply any relationship between client and attorney.