Examining the Influence of Error Climate on Aviation Maintenance Performance – ERRATUM

Error climate refers to shared perceptions of organisational practices regarding errors. Error management climate (EMC), which acknowledges the inevitability of error, and error avoidance climate (EAC), characterised by fear of error and reluctance to discuss error, were explored in relation to supervision, stress, fatigue, psychological ill-health and violations. Errors are of particular concern in the aviation industry, particularly aviation maintenance. The focus of the present study was on perceptions of error climate among Technical Trade personnel in the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Participants were 189 personnel below the rank of Flight Sergeant, all in practical maintenance roles. Perceptions of EMC were associated with better perceived supervision and psychological health, and less EAC, fewer violations and errors. Perceptions of EAC were associated with more violations and errors, and worse psychological health and perceived supervision. Two types of violations were identified. Situational violations were predicted by routine violations, errors, stress and seniority. Routine violations were predicted by situational violations, errors and fatigue. Violations partially mediated the effect of error climate on errors. These findings suggest that error climate is an important organisational factor in safety and aviation maintenance.

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