<b>Learning Method of Communication Error Prevention</b>

Abstract

Preventing communication errors is essential for ensuring safety in the work place in railways. This study describes the construction of a "Causal model of communication errors in the railways" from the analyses of accident reports and feedback on experience of communication errors. Through this model, it was found that certain methods, such as "talk-back," "confirmation talk" and "learning ambiguous expressions" were effective in preventing communication errors. A training method to teach these skills was proposed and its effectiveness was confirmed through experiments.

<b>Recent Topics on Human Science for Railways</b>

“…The developed training program allows trainees to experience firsthand the effect this procedure has on preventing accidents, thereby raising awareness about the key necessity of carrying it out rigorously. The research output in the area of non-technical skills was a "Tool for Training for Preventing Communication Error [4]" and an educational program to accompany it. Errors in communication can occur in any place of work.…”

“…In the field of safety, RTRI has so far developed a human factor analysis method [1] for acquiring information about underlying factors leading to human error, to facilitate safety management. The Hearing Investigation Technique for Accidents [2] was designed for this purpose as a tool to collect data, which is then used in education and training materials to help prevent errors [3,4] and develop training programs. These methods have been applied by a number of railway operators, providing data that has resulted in the review of aptitude tests for drivers in a way that makes these tests more suitable for modern society.…”

<b>Recent Topics on Human Science Research for Railway Safety</b>

“…RTRI has therefore been researching education/training. In the following paragraphs, two of RTRI's recent studies on communication errors --"Learning Method of Communication Error Prevention" [3] and "The Training Method of Communication Skills for Train Dispatchers in Abnormal Situations" [4] --are outlined together with a third study on errors of judgment "Fundamental Evaluation of Decision-making Task for Development of Training Method" [5], which is being started.…”