Reducing Human Error with Workplace Safety Software Solutions

Introduction to Human Error and Workplace Safety

Safety and HSE managers work hard every day to ensure a safe workplace. Despite their efforts, human error remains a significant issue, causing a large portion of workplace accidents. Statistics reveal that 80-90% of industry accidents are due to human error. Another study even showed that human errors were involved in 84% of serious accidents and 94% of fatal ones (although this statistic is contested).

This post will look into how workplace safety solutions can bridge the gap caused by human error and overall safety. We’ll talk about workplace safety software, its benefits, and how safety managers can implement these solutions into their safety programs.

Human Error in the Workplace

What is Human Error?

Defining human errors can be tricky as they usually result from a long chain of events making them hard to analyze. But James Reason, author of Human Error, defines it this way:

"A generic term to encompass all those occasions in which a planned sequence of mental or physical activities fails to achieve its intended outcome, and when these failures cannot be attributed to the intervention of some chance agency” 

In short, human error happens when people unintentionally make mistakes or decisions that don’t meet the standard, and accidents happen. In a manufacturing plant, this could be an operator setting up a machine wrong. In healthcare, it could be a nurse giving the wrong medication. Each industry has its challenges but the common thread is the serious consequences if these errors are not addressed.

Consequences of Human Error

Human error can have serious consequences – injuries, deaths, financial losses, and damage to reputation. In high-risk industries like construction or oil and gas, one mistake can cause big accidents. These incidents come with big costs – medical bills, legal fees, compensation, and repair costs. Fixing a damaged reputation is hard and expensive. Workplace injuries and ill health in the UK in 2021/22 cost £20.7 billion (source). And that cost is 10% higher compared with 2019/20.

Cost aside, the Chernobyl disaster is a prime example of how severe human errors can be. HSE professionals must focus on reducing human error through various means like training, safety protocols, and regular reviews. Implementing workplace safety solutions is one of those.

Investing in Workplace Safety Pays

Investing in workplace safety measures such as implementing employee safety software pays off significantly. American studies reveal that for every dollar spent on a solid safety program, businesses can save between $4 to $6. Despite the savings and well being, only 30% of companies have a comprehensive safety and health program in place according to the US Department of Labor Occupational Health & Safety Administration.

What is Workplace Safety Software?

Workplace safety software is a digital tool to improve safety management practices. This technology helps monitor, report, and manage safety incidents, hazards, and compliance requirements. By implementing workplace health and safety management software, organisations can simplify their safety processes and ensure all safety protocols are followed. Common features of workplace safety solutions include risk assessments, incident reporting, task management, and safety training.

How Workplace Safety Software Manages Human Error

Human error is a part of any workplace and can have severe consequences. However, workplace safety software plays a big role in managing human error by providing data and insights into potential hazards and risks. This technology helps identify patterns in human errors and allows organisations to address them through safety measures. By tracking and analysing incidents, near-misses and unsafe behaviour, workplace safety software enable proactive intervention to prevent future accidents. Plus, these solutions can also help identify training needs and provide targeted safety training to employees.

Traditional Methods and Other Alternatives

Traditional Safety Measures

Traditionally, safety measures included training programs, safety protocols, and manual checklists. While these are important, they have limitations. Human memory is fallible and manual processes can be inconsistent. This is where the gaps in traditional safety approaches become apparent.

Safety Management Software

Safety Management Software usually includes features like incident reporting, close call analysis, workplace inspection  or compliance management.  These systems are data-driven and can help identify gaps in safety protocols and training. They can also track employee safety training, ensuring that all employees are up-to-date with the latest procedures.

Proactive Solutions to Human Error

Another approach is to use habit-building platforms integrated with digital learning content to provide continuous reinforcement and reminders for safe practices. These platforms provide personalized nudges and help develop sustainable safety habits by targeting specific behaviors that cause human error. By incorporating micro learning and behavioral psychology, workers can gradually change their thinking patterns and make safety-conscious decisions a part of their daily habits.

What safety software is right for your organisation?

Assessment

When choosing safety software start by assessing your safety needs. Consider the size of your organisation and the unique challenges of your industry. A small business will have different requirements than a large corporation. Think about the type of safety data you need to collect and analyse and which features will suit your organisation’s needs.

Evaluating Features

Once you have assessed your needs, evaluate the features of different safety software solutions. Some key features to look for are incident reporting, risk assessments, compliance management and analytics and reporting capabilities. Plus make sure the software can integrate with your existing systems.

Supplier Evaluation

Evaluate suppliers based on their experience, features and support. Also consider their history of delivering similar projects and their reputation in the industry. Choose a supplier that not only knows your industry but can provide a solution tailored to your needs. Don’t forget to evaluate their response and willingness to work closely with your team to ensure a seamless implementation.

YOUFactors: Not Your Typical Safety Management Software

YOUFactors is not just safety software; it’s a digital companion that helps reduce human error through habit-building. Unlike traditional e-Learning platforms or HSE software, YOUFactors is a workplace health and safety app that combines skill development with behavioural change techniques.

By using digital nudges and bite-sized learning, YOUFactors enables teams to learn and retain safe practices, while also tracking progress and providing real-time insights into potential risks. This innovative approach to safety management has been proven to reduce workplace accidents by half and improve overall safety culture.

Behind the scenes, YOUFactors is a product of SafeStart, a major player in the health and safety field. SafeStart has trained over 3 million people across 3,000 companies, and 6,000 sites in more than 60 countries. Launched in 2020, YOUFactors was developed to deliver the SafeStart methodology through an app, using modern technology to meet the evolving learning needs of today’s workforce.  

Conclusion

Human error will always be present in the workplace, but with innovative technology, it can be managed and reduced. By understanding its features and finding the right solution for your organisation, you can create a safer working environment for your employees.

This year the National Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) launched a campaign with the theme “Reporting Saves Lives”. This calls on employers to set up an internal reporting mechanism to reduce risks and get their workers to report workplace safety issues. With the right safety software, employers can implement this campaign and create a safety culture in their organisation. This prevents accidents and creates a good work environment where employees feel safe and valued. As an employer, investing in safety software not only ensures the protection of your employees but also increases productivity and overall business success.

At YOUFactors, we believe that safety is not just about following protocols; It's about transforming behavior and making safety instinctive—a natural part of your everyday life. With our unique approach to habit-building and behavioral change, we are committed to helping organisations reduce human error and improve overall safety performance.

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