Human Performance Management Best Practice 1 – Self Checking

Even the most well-intentioned and dedicated humans are fallible. Therefore, the challenge becomes one of minimizing human error.[wcm_restrict plans=”25541, 25542, 25653″]

One such human error reduction tool is self-checking or STAR – Stop, Think, Act, Review. Using the steps highlighted by this simple pneumonic, human error rates can be significantly reduced and performance consistence increased. The following characteristics describe the application and performance of the STAR principle:

Application

Used during the deliberate manipulation of physical equipment when the operator’s actions are consequential.

Examples

• Plant operators manipulation of valves, breakers, and control switches
• Data entry personnel keying important data; especially if no follow-on accuracy checks are to be performed

Definition

STOP: The action performer ceases all other activities and focuses on the action at hand.

THINK: The action performer considers the action to be taken; reviewing associated procedures, device/equipment labeling, operational parameter indicators, and associated data as well as mentally defining the expected changes in the system or systems’ operating parameters once the action is taken.

ACT: The action performer deliberately executes the desired action while monitoring the associated system(s) response.

REVIEW: The action performer verifies all expected system(s) responses occurred and that no unexpected changes are realized.

Final Thought…

Based on decades of direct personal and observational experience, the StrategyDriven team has found the STAR technique to be the single most valuable tool for reducing human error rate. This tool is frequently used in highly consequential settings such as the operation of nuclear power plants, piloting of aircraft, and performance of surgical procedures. It is highly applicable to manufacturing and high precision work.[/wcm_restrict][wcm_nonmember plans=”25541, 25542, 25653″]

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