Introducing a New Model for Individual Cognitive Factors Influencing Human Error Based on DEMATEL Approach

Background and Objectives: The recognition of a system failure causes and their related factors are considered as the most important factor in preventing accident occurrence in different organizations including industries. Human error is a known important factor in unpredictable events of which cognitive factors are the most influential ones. The purpose of this study was to introduce a new model for individual cognitive factors influencing human error as well as determining the interactions between the factors and their intensity using DEMATEL approach. Methods: First a qualitative study was performed in order to identify and elicit the individual cognitive factors influencing human error among the workers of different industries. To ensure the adequacy and comprehensiveness of the elicited factors, then, the experts’ opinion was applied. DEMATEL method was used for understanding the interactions among the individual cognitive factors influencing human error. Finally, using these relationships, a new model of the study was proposed. Results: Calculating D-R and D+R relating to the factors in terms of being cause or effect factor, D-R was -1.213 for C5 as the highest negative value, and D+R was 2.294 for the same factor (C5). Also, threshold level was calculated as 0.087 in the current study Conclusion: In this study, the factors of failure in problem solving and decision making (C5) and difficulty in predicting possible hazards in the workplace are effects and the other factors were the cause factors. The factor of C5 was the highest interactive factor.