The Dirty Dozen: Miscommunication Threatens Operational Safety
This article series sheds light on the 12 most common causes of human error, known as the Dirty Dozen (article 4 of 12).
Communication is probably one of your most important competencies. When done ‘right’, communication ensures clarity, reduces misunderstandings, and supports teamwork. Factors which are essential to a safe and efficient operation.
Throughout history, communication has been essential for sharing knowledge, resolving conflicts, conveying information, and listening actively.
But what happens when communication does not go as planned?
From a human factors perspective, lack of communication constitutes a critical problem because it can cause:
- Misunderstandings and misinterpretations
- Inadequate sharing of information
- Poor coordination within the team
In other words, lack of communication increases the risk of errors, strains teamwork, and affects critical decision-making.
Read more: Diving into the Dirty Dozen: Limit the Impact and Improve Safety
Break the Silence – and Tackle the Gaps
Essentially, good communication fosters understanding and facilitates effective collaboration. Bad communication threatens operational safety.
But organisations can reduce the gaps in their communication and mitigate the absence of it by integrating the following strategies:
- Establish clear communication protocols in the SOP’s to ensure consistency in the daily operation and during emergencies.
- Prioritise regular CRM and Human Factors training with emphasis on communication skills, active listening, and assertiveness.
- Incorporate simple and open channels for continuous feedback and reporting where employees can address and issues that affect communication.
- Ensure an open communication culture where people are not afraid to speak up, and where debriefings, feedback, and discussions are a natural part of the work environment.
The strategies above will help ensure that vital information flows smoothly across the organisation. Clear and concise communication is key to reducing errors and enhancing safety.
Read more: Human Factors in Aviation: The Crucial Role of Training
