Uncovering the Real Root Causes
Often the real reason for a hazard to manifest itself if not readily apparent. Dig deeper!
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This type of situation is a very
good example for the well-known “Iceberg” model. Simply put, accidents are at
the top of the iceberg because they are above water (clearly visible) and reactively we can learn a lot from them.
On the other hand, the incidents and occurrences that are below the water line
(well below the top of the iceberg) are harder to see because they are deeply
submerged, or hidden. A Styrofoam cup will probably not cause an aircraft to
crash but any type of Foreign Object Debris (FOD) can certainly cause
significant engine damage. Regardless, this situation is a good diagnostic
indicator of WHAT is going on below the waterline, also known as proactive territory. So the question
then is WHY this happened (or what failed)? Here are just a few plausible WHY’s
and my responses to each:
Training issue?
o
Doubtful.
FOD training is robust at most airports, particularly at the largest airports
in the world, such as Atlanta. The ramp personnel were trained to identify and
pick up FOD with a very good understanding of FOD’s potential damaging effects.
Lack of awareness?
o
Doubtful.
The cup was white in color, large, swirling around by the wind, and plainly
visible. Ramp personnel had to have seen the cup.
·
Expedited ignorance?
o
Likely
contributing factor. It’s natural to overlook seemingly “trivial” things for
the sake of expediency to get the job done.
· Pluralistic ignorance?
o
Likely
contributing factor. People tend to form a norm and do (or don’t do) what their
peers are doing (or not doing). In this case, if one ramp personnel ignored the
cup then his peers may have followed suit. This is why leading by example (or
role modeling) is so important at any
level of the organization.
What’s
the point of all this? Well, the most seemingly trivial occurrences in isolation
may not become a problem. But, when linked together (i.e., the Swiss cheese
effect), these occurrences may creep above the waterline to become visible
accidents. Thus, to prevent accidents, we need to start at the bottom. If ramp
personnel are ignoring FOD then what other
things may be lurking beneath the surface? Keep in mind that although this
article cites a ramp issue, all of these principles can apply to any type of
aviation operation.
What
can you do? If you are management, be sure training not only covers the
technical aspects of the job but, additionally, include some human factors
training (or at least stress the importance of human limitations). If you are a
line employee, remember that YOU are the “eyes of the operation.” Be vigilant,
be aware, don’t conform to negative norms, don’t think that the “little things
don’t matter,” and perhaps most importantly— as the eyes of the operation—submit
those anonymous hazard/incident reports to your safety department! It takes a
concerted effort between management and line employees to keep those things
lurking beneath the surface in check!
Dr. Bob Baron is the President and Chief Consultant of The Aviation Consulting Group (TACG). His specializations include Human Factors (HF), Safety Management Systems (SMS), Crew Resource Management (CRM), Line Operations Safety Audit (LOSA), and Fatigue Risk Management (FRM). He consults with, and provides training to, hundreds of aviation organizations on a worldwide basis. Projects range from short workshops all the way up to, and including, full safety program implementation at some of the largest airlines and aircraft manufacturers in the world. He also works with various civil aviation authorities and accident investigation bureaus to improve safety at the very highest levels of the aviation system. Please visit the TACG website for more information. www.tacgworldwide.com
Dr. Bob Baron can also travel to your location to provide quality aviation safety management systems software training to best suit your airline or airport's need.
