What are the two types of human failure that can occur?

Active and latent failures represent two distinct categories of human error in the context of safety management and systems engineering. Active failures are typically direct, immediate actions or lapses that lead to mistakes, such as a worker forgetting to follow a safety protocol. These errors occur at the sharp end of a system—right where the work is being done. They are often easy to identify because they are visible and directly related to the task at hand.

Latent failures, on the other hand, are embedded within the system's processes and structures, often arising from organizational decisions, policies, or a lack of proper training and resources. These errors exist in the background and may not produce immediate consequences, but they lay the groundwork for active failures to occur. This concept emphasizes the importance of looking at human error not just as individual mistakes but as a symptom of deeper systemic issues that need to be addressed to improve safety and effectiveness.