Page 46 - IEC Insights Mar-Apr19

SAFETY CORNER

1. Introduction what can help reduce the likelihood of is focused on the job at hand else we
2. Principles of human performance human error can be found in Annex Q. risk exceeding our mental workload
3. Information processing and attention by letting our brain try to multi-task.
Human performance tools can increase We can help reduce the likelihood of
4. Human performance modes the likelihood of error. Organizations can this occurring once we acknowledge
and associated errors employ tools in a consistent manner and and put steps in place to help ensure
5. Error precursors help to increase human performance and the electrical worker is focused. We’ve
6. Human performance tools reduce the likelihood of error. There are all experienced difficulties in trying
7. Human performance warning flags eight human performance tools outlined in to multi-task. We may do this quite
Table Q.5 of Annex Q. They are as follows: unintentionally but I’m sure someone on
8. Workplace culture
1. Pre-job briefing your team can relate to an experience
This information is important when 2. Job site review where they were simultaneously trying
implementing the safety plan and 3. Post-job review to drive, navigate the area, read road
specifically when establishing risk signs or cell phone directions and listen
assessment procedures. The risk 4. Procedure use and adherence to a heavy conversation with passengers
assessment procedure can be found in 5. Self-check with verbalization and things didn’t go as planned.
110.1(H) of 70E-2018. 110.1(H)(2) focuses 6. Three-way communication
on “Human Error” and an informational 7. Stop when unsure So let’s manage the mental workload
note references new Informative 8. Flagging and blocking of ourselves and our team and not let it
Annex Q. 110.1(H)(2) requires that the interfere with the accuracy of our work.
risk assessment procedure address This annex should be reviewed to Make sure we keep safety at the top of
the potential for human error and its understand the concepts behind “mental our list and ensure that we and those
negative consequences on people, workload” as well as performance modes around us live to see another day.
processes, the work environment, and to better understand how steps can be put
equipment. The Informational Note in place to help the employee keep his/her Thomas Domitrovich, P.E. is VP of Technical
to this section reads as follows: head in the game. The human brain has a Sales for Eaton’s Bussmann business
limited capacity to process information. within the Circuit Protection Division of
“Informational Note: The potential for Eaton Corporation. Thomas is based out
human error varies with factors such of St. Louis, MO and is an experienced
as tasks and the work environment. power systems electrical engineer. He
See Informative Annex Q.” CLOSING REMARKS is a LEED Accredited Professional and
a licensed Professional Engineer in the
Section 110.1(H)(2) doesn’t tell the reader We all have limits to our mental workload, state of Pennsylvania. In addition to
what needs to be put in place to address which is a combination of the maximum other codes and standards, Thomas is
the potential for human error, it just rate at which we can process information Principle member on Code Making Panel
says that the risk assessment procedure (workload capacity) and the amount of 2 for the National Electrical Code (NFPA
has to be inclusive of this additional this capacity in use at any given moment. 70) and an Alternate member on NFPA
risk. More depth around the specifics of When performing electrical work, we 73 for electrical inspections of existing
have to ensure all of our mental capacity dwelling units both representing NEMA.

When performing electrical work, we have to ensure all of our

mental capacity is focused on the job at hand else we risk exceeding
our mental workload by letting our brain try to multi-task.

44 Insights Magazine | March/April 2019 | www.ieci.org