Saturday, April 13, 2024
Last week we talked about Human Performance and J Rasmussen's human performance modes. This week we will start exploring each of the modes. We need to remember that all of us operate in each mode at different times depending on the circumstance, the work to be done and other factors. What is important to remember is that we need to learn to understand when specific modes are going to be more prevalent and make changes to our approach to help eliminate error.
RULE BASED HUMAN PERFORMANCE MODE
An individual operates in rule-based human performance mode when the work situation is likely to be one that he or she has encountered before or has been trained to deal with, or which is covered by a procedure. It is called the rule-based mode because the individual applies memorized or written rules. These rules might have been learned as a result of interaction at the workplace, through formal training, or by working with experienced workers.When we are operating in the rule based performance mode, we do not require a lot of attention and the time it takes to recognize a challenge and find a solution is typically very fast. We have been trained to do this, if this happens. The military utilized rule based training techniques to help prepare soldier to make instant reactions to situations. Electricians use rule based training during apprenticeship when you are taught the Targeting Method or when you are taught a specific way to format a calculation. By learning in the that manner, whenever you encounter that issue, you tend to instantly go to start the solution as your were trained. We also use rule based performance mode training methods when we talk about safety: For example: If you are working 6 feet above the work area, then you need to tie off. If you are could be exposed to energized circuits or parts, then you need to take the time to put the circuit into an electrically safe work condition.The rule-based level follows an IF (symptom X), THEN (situation Y) logic. The individual operates by matching the signs and symptoms of the situation to some stored knowledge structure, and will usually react in a predicable manner. The individual can use conscious thinking to challenge whether or not the proposed solution is appropriate. This can result in additional error prevention being integrated into the solution.Not all activities guided by a procedure are necessarily executed in rule-based mode. An experienced worker might unconsciously default to the skill-based mode when executing a procedure that is normally done in the rule-based mode.
Rule-Based Human Performance Mode Errors.
Since the rule-based human performance mode requires interpretation using an "if-then" logic, misinterpretation is the prevalent type error mode. Errors involve deviating from an approved procedure, applying the wrong response to a work situation, or applying the correct procedure to the wrong situation. Next week we will discuss Knowledge- Based Human Performance. In the mean time give some thought to some of the things you do regularly at work that are done in the Rule Based Performance Mode.
Much of this article is reprinted from NFPA 70E and See Rasmussen, J. (1983); Skills, rules, and knowledge; signals, signs, and symbols, and other distinctions in human performance models.
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