Cognitive Failures and The Occurrence of Unsafe Work Behaviors
Keywords:
Cognitive Failure Process, Human Cognitive Mechanisms, Occupational Accidents, Unsafe Work BehaviorsAbstract
Unsafe behaviors are a critical and direct cause of occupational accidents. The manifestation of unsafe behaviors in the workplace result from multiple interrelated factors, particularly those associated with human cognitive processes and perception. In Thailand, previous studies on unsafe work behaviors have rarely applied theories of cognitive failure to explain their occurrence. The objective of this article is to describe the mechanisms by which unsafe work behaviors arise as a consequence of failures in human cognitive processes. This article discusses cognitive mechanisms, outlines seven types of failures in the cognitive process, and provides examples from international studies that highlight the connections between cognitive failures and unsafe behaviors. These insights can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of unsafe work behavior and serve as a foundation for advancing occupational safety research in Thailand.
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