Human Factors
Which statement about stress as a maintenance human factors concern is correct?
Answer
Both work-related and personal (off-the-job) stress can degrade concentration and performance on maintenance tasks
Stress from any source — job demands or personal and home-life pressures — can carry into the work environment and reduce concentration, memory, and judgment; recognizing it and taking a break or seeking help are the recommended countermeasures. Option 1 is wrong because emotional and mental stress clearly affect performance. Option 2 is wrong because excessive stress degrades rather than sharpens performance. Option 3 is wrong because off-the-job stress commonly follows a person into work.
Source: FAA-H-8083-30B, Chapter 14, Human Factors — Dirty Dozen (Stress).
Not the answer
- Only physical stress affects a technician; emotional stress has no effect on task performance
- Stress originating in a technician's home life cannot follow that person into the workplace
- Stress always improves attention to detail, so it is beneficial to maintenance quality
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