Why Is Human Error Neglected in the CPI

Another barrier to a systematic consideration of human error is the belief that increasing computerization and automation of process plants will make the human unnecessary. The fallacy of this belief can be shown from the numerous accidents that have arisen in computer controlled plants. In addition, considerable human involvement will continue to be necessary in the critical areas of maintenance and plant modification, even in the most automated process (see Chapter 2 for a further discussion of this issue). 

Human error has often been used as an excuse for deficiencies in the overall management of a plant. It may be convenient for an organization to attribute the blame for a major disaster to a single error made by a faUible process worker. As will be discussed in subsequent sections of this book, the individual who makes the final error leading to an accident may simply be the final straw that breaks a system already made vulnerable by poor management. 

A major reason for the neglect of human error in the CPI is simply a lack of knowledge of its significance for safety, reliability, and quality. It is also not generally appreciated that methodologies are available for addressing error in a systematic, scientific manner. This book is aimed at rectifying this lack of awareness. 

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