Routine violations

Motivational campaigns are one way of dealing with routine violations (see Section 2.5.1.1). They are not directly applicable to those human errors which are caused by design errors and mismatches between the human and the task. These categories of errors will be discussed in more detail in later sections. 

Fisher s fundamental theorem (1958) states that selection removes additive genetic variance, and thus should diminish narrow sense heritability. Because of Fisher s argument (which is mathematically correct), scientists have argued until recently that additive heritability was prima facie evidence that the trait was evolutionarily neutral (e.g. Tooby Cosmides 1990). Flowever, the ubiquity of additive genetic variation, even for traits subject to strong selective forces, has forced evolutionary biologists to try to account for the routine violations of Fisher s fundamental theorem. 

A routine violation is basically cutting comers for one reason or another, perhaps to save time or simply to get on to another more urgent task. 

Skill-based errors were associated with almost 47% of unsafe acts, followed by decision errors (33%), routine violations (8%) and perceptual errors (5%). The remaining unsafe acts related to exceptional violations and totaled 7%. 

Silent Deviations is a term used by several companies in the oil and gas industry to describe the mismatch between procedures and actual work practices (Tinmannsvik 2008). It points to a constant conflict between getting the job done and compliance with procedures and is an expression of how routine violations of written procedures tacitly become accepted practice. Reason (1997) uses the term necessary violations , where operators find a balance between procedures and knowledge based problem solving in order to minimize workload. 

Routine violation occurs when the breaking of a safety rule or procedure is the normal way of working. It becomes routine not to use the recommended procedures for tasks. An example of this is the regular speeding of fork lift trucks in a warehouse so that orders can be fulfilled on time. 

There are many reasons given for routine violation -the job would not be completed on time, lack of supervision and enforcement or, simply, the lack of knowledge of the procedures. Routine violations can be reduced by regular monitoring, ensuring that the rules are actually necessary or redesigning the job. 

The following features are very common in many workplaces and often lead to routine violations ... 

Intentional noncompliance Bad habits Routine violations Unintentional noncompliance Slips Lapses... 

Routine - routine violations of safety rules are made when the job becomes part of day-to-day practice in a workplace. Examples include when fire doors are routinely wedged open with fire extinguishers or when PPE is routinely not worn. It will only continue if managers fail to challenge the non-compliance early. The longer a safety rule is routinely breached the more difficult it is for individuals to be persuaded of the need to comply... 

Figure 4.16 Routine violations of basic safety systems indicate a poor safety culture - wedged fire door...

It was the policy of the company at the time that the ship did not sail with the bow doors open. However, the routine practice had evolved to leave port with the doors open in order to allow the fumes which had built up in the hold during loading to dissipate. Members of the crew were very well aware of the risks associated with this routine violation of a fundamental safety rule and attempted to bring it to the attention of senior managers. 

Routine Violations These are habitual by nature and are often tolerated by the authority (e.g. always driving 10 km/h faster than the legal speed limit), sometimes also known as bending the rules . 

Routine violations happen when it becomes standard practice In a group or even an entire organisation to break the rule or procedure. Lack of knowledge and failure(s) to enforce the rule make the situation worse, and this is one reason why rules which are actually unnecessary and are not enforced should be eliminated. 

Routine violations demonstrate habitual behaviour that goes against set rules but seems to be the normal and accepted method of conduct within that working environment ... 

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