In March 2013 seven US Marines were killed when a Marine double-loaded a 60mm mortar on a training exercise. Eight other Marines were injured by the explosion.
The investigation concluded that several common 'human factors' led to the accident: 

• inadequate training and preparation;
  
• communication (firing commands);
  
• procedures; 
  
• supervision, and;
  
• task workload. 
  

See the full news story on the USA Today website.

Fortunately, in industry the outcome of human error is rarely this significant. For details on how we can help identify and manage human factor risks in industry, see our consultancy pages.

A Metro-North train derailed in the Bronx on December 1st 2013, killing four people and injuring more than 70. The train had entered a curve at nearly 3 times the permitted speed. Recent investigations appear to show that overtime working is endemic on the railroad; the driver in the crash had worked the equivalent of a six-day week every week for the past three years.
See the full news article on the NBC website.
In the UK, fatigue of safety critical workers must be managed; the Office of Rail Regulation has issued guidance on the risks of excessive working hours and how these can be managed (see here).
For details on how we can help identify and manage human factor risks in industry, see our consultancy pages.

A gas explosion destroyed an apartment building after a technician capped the end of the wrong gas pipe whilst carrying out some maintenance work. This allowed gas to seep out into the ceiling void space which then exploded when the pilot light was lit.

Click here for the full news story.