Manage Distractions and Interruptions

Distraction greatly affects our ability to make good decisions. It has always been one of the 'Dirty Dozen' – the most common conditions contributing to accidents and incidents. We need to take proactive steps to reduce the risk of distraction, including from things like mobile phones.

Closely related to distraction is interruption. While a distraction is usually unplanned, like a loud noise, an interruption is intentional. How often have you lost your train of thought when a friend interrupted you? Or think about flying: what happens to your pre-flight flow when someone interrupts to ask a question?

In 1987–88, the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigated the crash of a Northwest Airlines McDonnell Douglas DC-9-82 shortly after take-off from a Detroit airport. The NTSB found that constant interruptions – and a change in runway assignment while preparing for take-off – ultimately led to the crash. The crew failed to recognise that the flaps had not been set to the take-off position, and didn't complete the checklist that would have alerted them. Only 12 months later, an almost identical accident occurred when the crew of a Boeing 727 crashed after an interrupted checklist.

Handling interruptions

• Finish the task before responding to an interruption, where possible.
• If that's not possible, clearly mark where you were so you know where to pick up again.
• Or go back at least three steps on your checklist and retrace your work.