APPENDIX 3
DEFINITIONS COMMON HUMAN ELEMENT TERMS
Human error: A departure from acceptable or desirable practice on the part of an individual or group of individuals that can result in unacceptable or undesirable results.
Diminished human performance:
Emotional:
A physiological state of agitation or disturbance which can affect an individual's normal ability to perform required tasks.
Panic:
A sudden overpowering fear that reduces the ability to perform required tasks.
Anxiety:
A state of uneasiness and distress about future uncertainties which may reduce the ability to focus properly on a required task.
Personal problem:
A problem which preoccupies the emotions and reduces the ability to perform required tasks. Examples include physical disabilities, death or illness in the family, marital and other relationship problems, health concerns, financial problems, anger, or poor interactions with shipmates.
Mental impairment:
Diminished mental ability that can reduce or impede an individual's normal ability to perform the mental part of required tasks.
Alcohol use:
Consumption of alcoholic beverages which diminishes an individual's abilities to perform required tasks. Examples include drinking on or too close to duty, which can impede an individual's abilities; drunkenness on duty; drinking off duty, which results in poor performance while on duty; and excessive drinking over a longer period of time, which results in a permanent decrease in mental abilities.
Drug use:
Use of a medicine or narcotic which affects an individual's abilities to perform required tasks. There are many different effects on mental and physical capabilities that can result from the use of legal and illegal drugs, including extreme drowsiness, a false sense of competence, and hallucinations. The mental abilities of the user may also be distracted by the constant need to obtain more drugs. In addition, individuals may not be aware of the side-effects of legal drugs and may take them while on duty or forget to report taking them.
Inattention:
The loss of attention, notice or regard; neglect. Examples include failing to monitor displays; not maintaining a proper lookout; forgetting to perform an assigned duty. Inattention may also be the result of other causes such as a personal problem, fatigue, drugs, boredom, or hearing problems.
Injury:
Physical damage to the body which causes a decrease in mental or physical abilities. Examples include a head injury, other injuries such as a smashed finger, or a severe bum, where pain causes distraction and a loss of mental ability.
