Dec 2001 – Paper 2 Question 1

In relation to human error:

i) Distinguish between routine situational and exceptional violations (6)

 Routine: Not following a laid-down violation becomes the norm

 Situational: A procedure cannot be followed if work is to continue (e.g. where the
equipment necessary to comply with the procedure has not been provided)
 Exceptional: When something has gone wrong and procedures are not followed in an
attempt to correct the situation

HSEs Reducing error and influencing behaviour HSG48

ii) Outline, with appropriate reference to actual major incidents, the factors that might
promote routine violations at work. (14)

 Individual
o Perception that the procedures are restrictive, excessive or even unnecessary
o That PPE is difficult or uncomfortable to wear
o That time or energy might be saved by not following the set procedures

 Task
o Procedures that are difficult to understand or no longer relevant
o An unpleasant working environment
o Uncomfortable working positions and equipment that is slow to respond or
unreliable e.g. frequent false alarms resulting in the alarms being ignored

 Organisational
o Lack of supervision or monitoring
o Lack of suitable training
o Peer pressure to work outside normal procedures
 Major incidents
o Clapham, Zeebrugge, Piper Alpha