Why Do People Violate Procedures

why people violate procedures and what can be done to try to prevent these violations.?

Errors, mistakes and violations all have differing psychological and motivational precursors and it is essential that consideration is given to this when developing an intervention. For example, issuing a Safety Notice reminding people of their responsibilities to follow the rules, when procedures were found to be ambiguous or where the individual does not possess the skills required for the task, would be ineffective in reducing the likelihood of recurrence.
Depending on the behaviour and accountability attributed, changes may be made at the individual, task, situation or environment (wider organisational systems) level to remove or reduce the risk. This
Violation for personal gain Deliberately not following rules with the aim of benefiting the individual.
For example, not completing a task to get away from work on time; not using the correct equipment because it requires effort to obtain or manoeuvring at excessive speeds to meet a personal deadline.
Recklessness A conscious and substantial and unjustifiable disregard of visible and significant risk. Whilst there is no intent to do harm to others, recklessness implies that an individual knowingly ignored the potential consequences of their actions.
For example, coming into work under the influence of alcohol or knowingly operating a vessel / ship in an excessively fatigued state having not taken the required rest period.
Sabotage Malicious or wanton damage or destruction. To determine whether an individual’s action constitute sabotage there needs to be intent for both the actions and the consequence to cause damage or disrupt operations
Behaviour Solution
Error Address the identified erros; this may include improving skills, a distraction policy, increased task awareness or job rotation for highly routine