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
Stress
- Main wikipage: Stress
Lack of awareness
- Main wikipage: Lack of awareness
Norms
- Main wikipage: Norms
