How many accidents are caused by human error - Statistics

Human error is a major cause of accidents in many industries, but how common is it really? Studies reveal that a staggering 80-90% of all workplace and off the job accidents are linked to human error. Whether it’s in aviation, construction, or healthcare, grasping how human behavior plays into safety is crucial for preventing these incidents. In this post, we’ll look at the numbers and discuss why human error remains such a big factor in accidents across different sectors

Human errors are responsible for 80 to 90% of all accidents

Human error is a significant factor in workplace accidents, accounting for 80-90% of all accidents⁽¹⁾. This statistic highlights the crucial role human behaviour plays in safety across various industries. Let's look at some key statistics:

Key Human Error in the Workplace Statistics

• Approximately 70% of all aircraft accidents are attributed to human error, primarily skill-based mistakes⁽²⁾.  
• A Finnish study revealed that human errors were involved in 84% of serious accidents and 94% of fatal incidents ⁽³⁾.  
• In Australia, two-thirds of fatal workplace accidents resulted from skill-based errors, with the remainder divided between rule-based and knowledge-based mistakes⁽⁴⁾.  
• Human error accounts for roughly 70-80% of aviation accidents ⁽¹⁰⁾.
• Up to 75% of inventory shrinkage in retail is due to human error.
• Up to 95% of workplace incidents in the construction industry are attributed to human error.
• Human error contributes to 75% of aviation maintenance errors.
• It is responsible for 80% of accidents involving commercial trucks.
• In the pharmaceutical industry, 80% of compliance violations are linked to human error.
• Human error is a factor in 80% of incidents in the mining sector.

Human Error in Car Crashes

According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an estimated 94% of motor vehicle accidents were caused by driver error ⁽²⁾. Accidents caused by vehicle problems and environmental conditions accounted for very few traffic accidents. The most common human factors reported for causing accidents include: Improper lookout, Excessive speed, Inattention.

Factors Contributing to Human Errors

Most workplace errors come from psychological states that we often deal with, like rushing, frustration, fatigue, and complacency. Research by Larry Wilson ⁽⁸⁾ author and CEO of SafeStart shows that these states are behind over 95% of the main causes of workplace injuries. When workers are in these states, they’re more likely to make big mistakes, such as:

• Eyes not on task: This occurs when distractions lead to missed visual cues, which can have serious safety implications.
• Mind not on task: A lack of mental focus can prevent individuals from adhering to safety protocols.
• Line-of-fire errors: These happen when awareness of surroundings diminishes, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Balance, traction, or grip issues: States like rushing or fatigue impair physical coordination, heightening the chance of slips and falls.

By spotting and tackling these psychological triggers, companies can create training programs that reduce human error and boost workplace safety.

Conclusion

Human error accounts for 80-90% of all accidents across various industries, highlighting the urgent need for effective safety measures. Statistics from aviation, workplace safety, and traffic reveal the critical role that psychological states—like rushing and fatigue—play in these errors.

By addressing these triggers through targeted training programs, organizations can foster safer behaviors and cultivate a culture of safety. Prioritizing the understanding of human error not only protects workers but also enhances overall productivity and workplace safety. Tools like YOUFactors can help by transforming worker habits and reinforcing safety behaviors, creating a proactive approach to human error management that protects employees and boosts productivity across industries.