The analysis of human communication errors during track maintenance

Gibson, W.H., Megaw, E.D., Young, Mark and Lowe, E. (2005) The analysis of human communication errors during track maintenance. In, Wilson, John, Norris, Beverley, Clarke, Theresa and Mills, Ann (eds.) Rail Human Factors: Supporting the Integrated Railway. 1 ed. Routledge, pp. 373-382.

Abstract

This chapter investigates human communication errors related to track maintenance. CORE-DATA is a database of human error probability data and associated background information. Some studies have highlighted that transcript analysis can capture some communication error forms. Deviations in information content are errors which may potentially have direct safety consequences, because incorrect information is being communicated or there is a misunderstanding between participants. A final key finding is not related to error directly but to the significant amount of communication which is required to resolve problems. Initiatives currently underway within the industry aim to reduce these errors through improved competencies and development of a better culture for compliance. Increasing the use of readbacks may be one method for reducing the impact of the errors, and training personnel to be aware of such variability may provide some improvements. The key critical errors are those which are unrecovered.

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Contributors

Author: Mark Young

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