Human Factors and Errors in Security Aviation: An Ergonomic Perspective

Table 1

Transcription of the 14 questions of the questionnaire responded by AVSEC professionals, and the type of human factor or error associated to each item.

Question number	Question	Type of human factor/error
03	How often do I realize that I conducted an AVSEC procedure with error, and I try to correct it?	Human error: action deficiencies/perceptual confusions.
05	If I am working with flow control in hours of great flow of passengers, how often do I advise a coworker who is operating the X-ray equipment about the situation of the lines?	Human factor/error: DOC 9808 – security culture and operational environment/ omissions following interruption
06	How often am I able to identify that the sound alarm activated by the detector comes from the security checkpoint where I am working (in hours of great flow of passengers)?	Human error: interference errors
11	How often do I accomplish the AVSEC procedures when they refer to authorities?	Human error: first exceptions/disarranged rules
14	If I am operating the X-ray equipment, how often do I indicate that I need to be attentive when a coworker talks to me?	Human error: interference errors
16	How often does the experience I have in AVSEC prevail over the procedures provided by ANAC regulation?	Human error: out of sight out of mind/excess of confidence
20	If I am operating the X-ray equipment and a coworker insists on talking to me, what is my level of attention to identify a prohibited object or an object with controlled access?	Human error: omissions following interruption
36	I am seeking another job to supplement the income, although I like working with AVSEC.	Human factor: DOC 9808 - personnel retention/selection
39	There is turnover of personnel in the airport I work.	Human factor: DOC 9808 – personnel retention/selection
40	Guiding a new coworker is something that I often do at the airport I work.	Human factor: DOC 9808 – personnel retention/selection
50	It is fundamental to report failures and errors that occur in the security checkpoint through non-punitive ways, in order to orient the AVSEC professionals toward how to avoid them.	Human factor: DOC 9808 – security culture
57	When my physical conditions do not allow the adequate performance of my functions as AVSEC professional, I am removed from my activities, or I have the option of working in another function.	Human factor: DOC 9808 – security culture/operational environment
58	The available place for resting and/or feeding is not feasible to use during the interval time of working days.	Human factor: DOC 9808 - security culture/operational environment
59	The proximity of the date of ANAC certification exam raises my attention in performing my work.	Human factor: DOC 9808 – certification