How to Write Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that Avoid Human Error

Human error is the primary cause of quality and production losses in many industries. 

Although it is unlikely that human error will ever be eliminated, many human performance problems can be prevented. Human errors start at the design stage.

Procedures play a vital role in human reliability. Nevertheless, it is essential to understand human behavior and the psychology of error as well as understand precisely where the instruction's weaknesses are so that procedures can be human-engineered, improved, and fixed.

Procedures account for more than 40% of human error events in manufacturing. The majority of regulatory citations are also related to procedures. Procedures are essential for both execution and audits. 

These should be written for users without missing relevant information for regulators. Usually, procedures have weaknesses that harm productivity, quality, and regulatory standing. We will discuss content development to formats designed for human error reduction due to procedures.

After completing the webinar, you’ll be able to:

• Understand the importance of procedures
• Learn why people refuse to use procedures
• Learn the best formats and content elements for SOPs
• Learn document hierarchy and different types of procedures based on their use
• Understand the common Human Errors and deviations related to the use of procedures
• Understand the reading and writing processes and how people may impact the processes

• SOP writing outline
• Content development
• The rationale for procedure use
• Regulatory compliance background
• Universal purpose of procedures
• The Human Perspective
• Human Error as a root cause
• The thinking and reading process
• Common mistakes and causes
• How to create and maintain a procedure
• Goals of a procedure
• Good Procedure Writing practices (Terminology, Formats, layouts, mixed cases, steps content, familiar words, references, branching, conditional steps, the use of “Precautions”, “Warnings” and “Cautions”
• Procedure styles
• Use of electronic information networks for procedure access.

In modern industries like pharmaceuticals, healthcare, manufacturing, and aviation, prioritizing operational efficiency, safety, and quality is crucial. Despite advancements, human error persists as a major hurdle to upholding these standards. Customized SOPs aimed at human error prevention offer a proactive strategy for safeguarding operations, bolstering safety measures, and ensuring regulatory compliance in high-risk sectors. Through the integration of optimal procedure design, comprehensive training, and a culture of continuous improvement, organizations can successfully diminish the influence of human fallibility and maintain their dedication to excellence.