To what extent do you believe human error causes occupational injuries and illnesses? Discuss one specific way that you believe human error can be decreased in occupational settings. 600 words, zero plargarism, please
Please use the notes in the attachment, also please ensure that the below as a citation
Goetsch, D. L. (2018). Occupational Safety and Health for Technologists, Engineers, and Managers (9th Edition). Pearson Education (US).
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Introduction:
In the field of occupational health and safety, the impact of human error on the occurrence of injuries and illnesses is a topic of significant concern. Research has shown that human error contributes to a significant number of occupational injuries and illnesses. As a medical professor, it is essential to understand the role of human error in causing such incidents and develop ways to reduce their occurrence.
To what extent do you believe human error causes occupational injuries and illnesses?
Human error plays a significant role in causing occupational injuries and illnesses. According to Goetsch (2018), human errors can be classified as slips, lapses, mistakes, and violations. Slips and lapses are errors of action, while mistakes and violations are errors of intention. Research has shown that human error causes more than 80% of occupational injuries and illnesses. In many cases, accidents occur due to inattention, distraction, or failure to follow established procedures. In addition, research has shown that human error is more prevalent in high-risk occupations such as construction, mining, and manufacturing.
One specific way that human error can be decreased in occupational settings is by implementing a safety management system. A safety management system is a comprehensive approach to managing occupational health and safety. It involves identifying potential hazards, assessing risks, and implementing measures to control those risks. A safety management system can reduce human error in occupational settings by providing clear guidelines for employees to follow. It can also help to identify potential hazards and risks before they result in accidents.
The implementation of a safety management system involves several key steps. The first step is to establish a safety policy that outlines the organization’s commitment to occupational health and safety. The policy should be communicated to all employees to ensure that they understand their role in maintaining a safe working environment. The second step is to conduct a risk assessment to identify potential hazards and risks associated with the organization’s operations. The third step is to develop and implement control measures to minimize or eliminate those risks. The fourth step is to monitor the effectiveness of the control measures and adjust them, if necessary.
In conclusion, human error is a leading cause of occupational injuries and illnesses. Implementing a safety management system is one specific way to reduce human error in occupational settings. By establishing clear guidelines and identifying potential hazards and risks, organizations can create a safer working environment for their employees.