Identification and Evaluation of Human Error by Human Error Assessment and Reduction Technique Technique in Overhead Cranes Operators : A case study in a steel industy in Khuzestan

Abstract

Introduction: Studies in the field of industrial accidents show that human errors have the most important and main role in the occurrence of accidents. According to the literature, 60 to 90% of accidents occur due to the human errors and mistakes. Therefore, in this study, human errors among overhead cranes' operators working in steel industry were identified and analyzed by Human Error Assessment and Reduction Technique (HEART).

Methods and Materials: This cross-sectional study examined the operators of overhead cranes in a steel industry in Khuzestan for 5 months. In this study, the tasks of the operators of 18 cabin control overhead cranes were analyzed by HTA method. Later, using the HEART method, the probability of human error for each task was calculated quantitatively.

Results: The results showed that the most important contributors to human error in both types of cabin and pendant overhead cranes included failure to understand the risk, the operators' inadequate physical and mental conditions, and disruption of the normal sleep cycle.

Conclusion: Based on the results, it can be concluded that the HEART method was successful in ranking tasks due to the magnitude probability of errors. In order to reduce human error, the authorities are recommended to improve the employees' performance, prevent error caused by human factors, control strategies such as proper working guidelines, improve the quality of staff training, emphasize compliance with rules and regulations, plan regular work shifts, and develop programs to reduce the stress probability of error.