Understanding Human Errors in Construction Industry

Where, When, How and Why We Make Mistakes

herausgegeben von: Raphael Moura, Franz Knoll, Michael Beer

Verlag: Springer Nature Switzerland

Buchreihe : Digital Innovations in Architecture, Engineering and Construction

Enthalten in: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Technik" , Springer Professional "Wirtschaft"

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Über dieses Buch

This book provides an analysis of the origin and effect of human errors in engineering. Using cases from everyday construction and large-scale accidents, the circumstances associated with the creation of errors are illustrated, along with strategies for their prevention, with the goal to eventually minimize cost overruns, delays, and accidents.

The book features a discussion of the circumstances related to error proneness, the review of some sixty mishaps or near misses from real-life construction, the systematic analysis of 238 large-scale accidents in engineering systems, the perspective of psychology on the origin of faulty human performance, and a review of the relation of management to error proneness.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

Chapter 1. Human Errors in Engineering

Abstract

This chapter lays a foundation for understanding key concepts (such as human error) underpinning the learning objectives of the book. Considering the multi-disciplinary nature of the human factors’ studies, which focus on the relationship between humans, tasks, technologies, organisations and the surrounding environment, some variances among the views and needs of engineers, psychologists, sociologists, managers and the general public are observed. The objectives of conducting a human reliability analysis (HRA) as well as practical limitations to calculate human errors probabilities are also explored.

Raphael Moura

Chapter 2. Design and Construction Case Studies

Abstract

Some or most of the considerations reviewed in the following text may appear to the reader to be nothing more than trivial recapitulations of common sense, thoughts and things that are part of the everyday activity of a seasoned building participant. This may be so but I believe it to be worthwhile to assemble some of that common sense in one document to serve as a basis for discussion and for the following review of case studies.

Franz Knoll

Chapter 3. Learning from Large-Scale Accidents

Abstract

Despite the new developments in new technologies, materials and industrial systems, recent major accidents are challenging the practicality and effectiveness of risk control measures designed to improve reliability and reduce the likelihood of losses. Contemporary investigations of accidents occurred in high-technology systems highlighted the connection between human-related issues and major events, which led to catastrophic consequences. This chapter introduces a major-accident dataset and presents different data analysis methods to support the learning from accidents process, providing insights into the understanding of human behavioural characteristics interlaced with current technology aspects and the organisational context.

Raphael Moura, Edoardo Patelli, Caroline Morais

Chapter 4. Insights from Psychology

Abstract

The following essay is an attempt to improve certain aspects addressed in the past by adding the components of practice, professional expertise and emotional intelligence in the field of engineering and construction. The interaction in between those components is undoubtedly essential to a relevant understanding of the symptoms of human error and the causes or accidents for which it is responsible. It is one thing to know or to have the theoretical knowledge on a subject, it is quite another to know how to apply this knowledge in everyday practice with the right human skills knowing, as a fact, that emotions block or amplify the ability to think and plan, achieve a goal, solve problems or adapt to a given situation.

Marlène Déom

Chapter 5. Insights from Construction Management

Multidimensional Risk Management in Construction Projects

Abstract

The Channel Tunnel between France and the United Kingdom (UK), Boston’s Big Dig, Germany’s railway project Stuttgart 21, UK’s high-speed railway project HS2, Dubai's Burj Khalifa are some examples of a long list of large-scale construction projects. Next to their large dimensions, all these different projects have construction costs over $1 billion in common.

Hamid Rahebi, Katharina Klemt-Albert

Chapter 6. Evaluation of Case Studies/A Template Approach

Abstract

In order to learn from the case studies as a data base, the data must be organised in a way permitting to observe common features. In this chapter, an attempt is made to do just this, i.e. to classify the various “circumstances” associated with the history of what went wrong in each case.

Franz Knoll

Backmatter

Titel: Understanding Human Errors in Construction Industry
herausgegeben von: Raphael Moura
Franz Knoll
Michael Beer
Verlag: Springer Nature Switzerland
Electronic ISBN: 978-3-031-37667-2
Print ISBN: 978-3-031-37666-5
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-37667-2