Reasons Model/Human Factors Analysis Classification System
Outline AVIA 4000, Special Projects: Human Factors in Aviation
Raymond E. Cain, Jr., Ph.D., Instructor
Learning Objectives
After this unit of instruction, the student will be able to
demonstrate the following:
An operable understanding of Reasons and the HFACS models
An operable understanding of the relationships among human
error, human factors, and Reasons and the HFACS models
Reasons Model
Introduced by James Reason
Two ways to look at the Human Error Problem o The person
approachfocus on the errors of individuals; blame them for
forgetfulness,
inattention, or moral weakness
o The systems approachconcentrate on conditions under which
individuals work and build defenses to avert errors or mitigate
their effects
Systems Approach (Reasons)
Basic premise: humans are fallible and errors are to be
expected, even in the best organizations
Errors are seen as consequences not causes
Reasons Model
