Sofema Online Considers HF Exposures Related to Distractions & Interruptions.

Introduction

Industry empirical data indicates that approximately 15% of maintenance-related accidents are the result of distractions.

An individual having been distracted or interrupted during a task is usually unaware that an action or step may have been missed or left incomplete.

Distractions are the number one cause of forgetting to do things; however, whilst distractions in the workplace cannot be eliminated, we should strive to reduce them to a minimum.

Distractions take multiple forms -Managers / Supervisors making requests; family/partners making telephone / Mobile requests; and whilst we should be prepared for distraction, we should nevertheless attempt to manage the interruptions with pro-active behavior on our part.

Reality Check 

Interruptions and distractions are more common than we may at first believe within our Aviation Maintenance Environment.

We should strive to ensure an environment where both attention and communication are focused on the need for safe and accurate completion of the specific maintenance task.

In fact, there is no reason for unnecessary discussion or other distraction.

Four questions to ask before interrupting a person performing a maintenance task:

1. Is the interruption really necessary?
2. Can it wait to a more appropriate time?
3. Is it possible to leave a message?
4. Can I get the information I require from the supervisor or another person?

Steps to take to Mitigate Exposure 

1. Back up 3 Steps & Check - or last logical break.
2. Refer back to maintenance publications /Approved Data.
3. Always Stop & Think.
4. Interrupt only when really necessary.

Self-Distraction to be avoided

Allowing our mind to wander & thinking about something other than the job at hand—how to avoid—focus and monitor time spent on the task before a break.

Stress and Pressures are normal components of our daily lives and it becomes easy to be distracted. The challenge is to self-monitor. Our memories are fallible, and therefore the use of checklists are recommended wherever they can be demonstrated to add value to our maintenance process.

What could we do different / better?

Should we continue to accept interruptions and distractions during high-risk/safety-critical maintenance?

In reality, interruptions from internal or external sources should only occur if they relate to the task at hand or if there are other relevant safety implications.

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