There are two types of failures that cause human errors; one is active failures. What is the other?

There are two types of failures that cause human errors; one is active failures. What is the other?

• A. hidden
• B. latent
• C. secondary
• D. random

Answer: (B)

Two types of failures that lead to human error are active failures and latent conditions. The other type is latent conditions—hidden weaknesses in an organization’s systems, procedures, training, design, or management that can lie dormant until combined with an active unsafe act to cause harm. Examples include poorly designed controls, vague procedures, inadequate training, staffing shortages, or maintenance gaps. These latent factors act like holes in defenses; when an active error occurs, the holes can line up and lead to an incident, which is the idea behind the Swiss Cheese Model.

Two types of failures that lead to human error are active failures and latent conditions. The other type is latent conditions—hidden weaknesses in an organization’s systems, procedures, training, design, or management that can lie dormant until combined with an active unsafe act to cause harm. Examples include poorly designed controls, vague procedures, inadequate training, staffing shortages, or maintenance gaps. These latent factors act like holes in defenses; when an active error occurs, the holes can line up and lead to an incident, which is the idea behind the Swiss Cheese Model.