What is considered the top contributor to causes of human error?

Fatigue is often recognized as a leading contributor to human error because it significantly impairs both cognitive function and physical performance. When individuals are fatigued, their ability to concentrate, make decisions, and respond to situations diminishes, leading to a higher likelihood of mistakes. In high-stakes environments such as rope rescue, where safety and precision are paramount, even minor lapses in attention or critical thinking caused by fatigue can have serious consequences.

While lack of knowledge, teamwork, and resources are all important factors that can contribute to errors, fatigue directly affects the individual's capacity to apply their knowledge, collaborate effectively with others, or make optimal use of the resources available. Therefore, addressing fatigue through adequate rest and management strategies can significantly reduce the risk of human error in challenging scenarios.