Understanding Human Errors in Construction Industry: Where, When, How and Why We Make Mistakes

This book provides an analysis of the origin and effect of human errors in engineering. Using cases from everyday construction and large-scale accidents, the circumstances associated with the creation of errors are illustrated, along with strategies for their prevention, with the goal to eventually minimize cost overruns, delays, and accidents.

Raphael Moura is a Regulatory Specialist and Researcher focused on the key elements of an effective safety management system at high-risk facilities, including human factors. He is Superintendent for R&D and Environment at the Brazilian National Agency for Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels ― ANP. Dr. Moura is also editor of the ASCE-ASME Journal of Risk and Uncertainty in Engineering Systems Part B: Mechanical Engineering. His industrial experience includes 8 years as Technician and as Engineer, designing offshore facilities for civilian and military applications.

Franz Knoll has continuously been involved in research about human errors in construction. He has been the voice of the practice, being a practical engineer himself during most of his career of more than 60 years. In his publications and lectures, he has discussed strategies and methods to limit the frequency of human errors (gross errors as recognized by Gauss) and their effect on the quality and proneness to accidents in construction work.