Human Performance Management Best Practice 1b – Verbalized Self Checking

StrategyDriven Human Performance Management Best Practice ArticleEven the most well-intentioned and dedicated humans are fallible. Therefore, the challenge becomes one of minimizing human error.

Verbalizing the written word further engages the activity performer in the task at hand. By speaking the directions, the performer is driven to mentally register the assigned actions.[wcm_restrict plans=”41178, 25542, 25653″] Additionally, verbalization compels the performer to hear the instructions; reinforcing the action to be taken.

Verbalization of action steps as a part of the self checking process follows the same guidelines as those for demonstratively self checking and should be performed in conjunction with that technique to maximize self checking effectiveness. When verbalizing the self checking process, the performer reads the instructions, announces the equipment/controller to be manipulated, states the direction and magnitude of action, verbalizes is the expected response, and where the response is to be observed. The performer repeats these pronouncements during the activity’s execution.

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. The action performer reads the instruction line item aloud, announces component to be operated and its final state position, and verbalizes the instrument(s) to be used to ensure a proper response is obtained once the component is operated – including the actual response to be observed.

ACT: The action performer deliberately executes the desired action while monitoring the associated system(s) response. Before operating the component, the action performer again announces the component to be operated and its final state position.

REVIEW: The action performer verifies all expected system(s) responses occurred and that no unexpected changes are realized. When performing this verification, the action performer again verbalizes the desired and actual response obtained.[/wcm_restrict][wcm_nonmember plans=”41178, 25542, 25653″]


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Human Performance Management Best Practice 1a – Demonstrative Self Checking

StrategyDriven Human Performance Management Best Practice ArticleEven the most well-intentioned and dedicated humans are fallible. Therefore, the challenge becomes one of minimizing human error.

While use of the STAR self checking technique can significantly reduce the rate of individual errors (See StrategyDriven Human Performance Management Best Practice 1 – Self Checking), demonstrative engagement in the process further enhances its effectiveness.[wcm_restrict plans=”41169, 25542, 25653″] Deliberately pointing at the work instruction line item, action word, and alphanumeric designator of the component directed to be manipulated, focuses the performer on the instruction set. Likewise, by pointing to the component label, the controller (in its current state), and the controller’s end state position, the performer creates a visual link between the instruction set and action as well as a mental image of the action’s performance. Such imagery further focuses the performer on verifying the correctness of the action to be taken and its performance. Finally, the performer should point to those indicators used to verify the proper system response is received; supporting completion of the review step.

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. The action performer deliberately points to the instruction line item, component to be operated, the final state position of the component to be operated, and the instrument(s) to be used to ensure a proper response is obtained once the component is operated.

ACT: The action performer deliberately executes the desired action while monitoring the associated system(s) response. Before operating the component, the action performer again points to the component to be operated and the final state position of the component to be operated.

REVIEW: The action performer verifies all expected system(s) responses occurred and that no unexpected changes are realized. When performing this verification, the action performer again points to the indicator(s) being used to verify the desired response.[/wcm_restrict][wcm_nonmember plans=”41169, 25542, 25653″]


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Human Performance Management Best Practice 1 – Self Checking

StrategyDriven Human Performance Management Best Practice ArticleEven 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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