According to Dr. James Reason, which types of failure can occur in human operation?

Dr. James Reason is known for his pivotal work in the field of human error and safety in various industries. He introduced a model that categorizes failures in human operations into two primary types: active failures and latent failures.

Active failures refer to errors or mistakes that occur at the point of operation, where an individual directly engages in a task. These are typically immediate and visible, often resulting in direct consequences. For example, an operator might make a mistake while handling machinery, leading to an accident.

Latent failures, on the other hand, are underlying problems that exist within a system but do not immediately affect operations. These are often systemic issues that can create conditions for active failures to occur. For instance, inadequate training, poor workplace design, or insufficient safety protocols can contribute to the likelihood of active failures.

By identifying and understanding both active and latent failures, organizations can create more effective safety management systems. This distinction helps improve overall safety by addressing not only the errors made by individuals but also the systemic issues that enable those errors to lead to accidents or failures.