Human Factors Analysis Classification System Relating to Human Error Awareness Taxonomy in Construction Safety

• Published in: Journal of construction engineering and management Vol. 135; no. 8; pp. 754 - 763
• Main Authors: Garrett, J. W, Teizer, Jochen
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Reston, VA American Society of Civil Engineers 01-08-2009
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Buildings. Public works; Construction works; Exact sciences and technology; TECHNICAL PAPERS; Work safety; Mishap; Awareness; Human factors; Risk; Human factor; Construction industry; Human error; Training; Accident; Classification; Construction safety; Safety; System analysis; Accidents
• ISSN: 0733-9364; 1943-7862
• DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0000034

In several studies it is widely accepted that human error is the main reason for up to 80% of all incidents and accidents in complex high-risk systems that exist in the aviation, petrochemical, healthcare, construction, mining, and nuclear power industries. The construction industry, greatly impacted by accidents, is accountable for more than 1,000 fatalities in each of the past 14 years. The human factors analysis classification system (HFACS) is a general human error framework originally developed and tested as a tool for investigating and analyzing the human causes of accidents with applications to rail, air, and offshore environments. This paper introduces the concept of HFACS along with the framework of human error awareness training (HEAT) and their potential contribution to the construction industry. Based on the HEAT approach, this paper proposes a new error analysis educational and classification tool for safety within the construction industry. The primary difference between HFACS and HEAT is found in the structure, content, and presentation of the information allowing for higher effectiveness in incident investigation and safety education and training in construction.