ABSTRACT: The expression Human Factors can be interpreted in two different ways. Firstly: Human Factors is theoretical knowledge based on psychology and CRM is the practical use of that knowledge. Secondly: Human Factors is a concept, which we all too often hear is to blame for an incident or accident. What we actually should say is Human Failure this is where a person is to blame, instead of using the impersonal expression Human Factors. Maybe I am a bit provocative when I state that Human Factors do not cause accidents. It is Human Failure that causes accidents not Human Factors. I regard our Human Factors as a fantastic construction and design contributing to a greater quality of life that makes our lives on Earth both safer and more positive. Thanks to the appreciation and understanding of Human Factors, the fatal accident rate within Commercial Airlines has been reduced by 97% during the last 30 years. As I see it, when our Human Factors stop functioning, accidents can occur. In other words, a Human Factors breakdown will result in Human Failure. This indicates that the most important thing to learn and be aware of is all the external factors that will have a profound and negative influence on our Human Factors. So let me suggest that the following factors are directly detrimental to our Human Factors. Stress; Fatigue; Illness; Insufficient Training; Drugs; Hunger & Thirst; Lack of oxygen (at high altitude) and an Unsuitable or Bad Attitudes.

KEYWORDS: Human Failure, Incidents and Accidents, Stress, Fatigue, Insufficient Training, Human Error, Crew Resource Management (CRM), Human Factor (HF)

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