Dirty Dozen of Human Factors

The Dirty Dozen of Human Factors (alternatively known as Dirty Dozen in Aviation or, simply, the Dirty Dozen; hereinafter, the Dozen) is the twelve most common maintenance-related human factors that are responsible for the most of incidents and accidents in aviation. The Dozen was initially developed by Transport Canada and later spread worldwide.

Definitions

According to the FAA AC 120-72,

Dirty Dozen. The twelve most common maintenance-related causes of errors. These twelve causes are: (a) lack of communication, (b) complacency. (c) lack of knowledge, (d) distraction, (e) lack of teamwork, (f) fatigue, (g) lack of resources, (h) pressure, (i) lack of assertiveness, (j) stress, (k) lack of awareness, (l) norms.

In maintenance

According to the FAA AMT Handbook,

Due to a large number of maintenance-related aviation accidents and incidents that occurred in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Transport Canada identified twelve human factors that degrade people's ability to perform effectively and safely, which could lead to maintenance errors. These twelve factors, known as the "dirty dozen," were eventually adopted by the aviation industry as a straight forward means to discuss human error in maintenance. It is important to know the dirty dozen, how to recognize their symptoms, and most importantly, know how to avoid or contain errors produced by the dirty dozen. Understanding the interaction between organizational, work group, and individual factors that may lead to errors and accidents, aircraft maintenance technicians can learn to prevent or manage them proactively in the future.

Components

The Dozen is literally a dozen of human factors that can be attributed to the overwhelming majority of incidents and accidents.

Lack of communication

Main wikipage: Lack of communication

Lack of communication is the human factor that is characterized by a lack of clear direct statements on the sender side and/or good, active listening skills on the receiver side.

Complacency

Main wikipage: Complacency

Complacency is the human factor that is characterized by self-satisfaction that is accompanied by a loss of awareness of the dangers.

Lack of knowledge

Main wikipage: Lack of knowledge

Lack of knowledge is the human factor that is characterized by a lack of knowledge, skills, and abilities, particularly gained through training and experience, in the task at hand.

Distraction

Main wikipage: Distraction

Distraction is the human factor that is characterized by drawing one's attention away, including mental emotional confusion or disturbance.

Lack of teamwork

Main wikipage: Lack of teamwork

Lack of teamwork is the human factor that is characterized by a lack of working together to achieve a common goal.

Fatigue

Main wikipage: Fatigue

Fatigue is the human factor that is characterized by weariness from labor or exertion, nervous exhaustion, as well as a temporary loss of power to respond.

Lack of resources

Main wikipage: Lack of resources

Lack of resources is the human factor that is characterized by a failure to use or acquire the appropriate tools, equipment, information and procedures for the task at hand.

Pressure

Main wikipage: Pressure

Pressure is the human factor that is characterized by pushing against opposing forces through creating a sense of urgency or haste.

Lack of assertiveness

Main wikipage: Lack of assertiveness

Lack of assertiveness is the human factor that is characterized by a lack of positive communication of one's ideas, wants and needs.

Stress

Main wikipage: Stress

Stress is the human factor that is characterized by mental, emotional or physical tension, strain, or distress.

Lack of awareness

Main wikipage: Lack of awareness

Lack of awareness is the human factor that is characterized by a failure to be alert or vigilant in observing.

Norms

Main wikipage: Norms

Norms is the human factor that is characterized by commonly accepted practice of working routine jobs without the manual.

See also

Related concepts

• Human factors.

Related lectures

• Employee Resource Management Training.