What industry originally used Crew Resource Management (CRM) to reduce human error in high-risk activities?

Crew Resource Management (CRM) was originally developed within the aviation industry to address the increasing concerns related to human error in high-stakes environments. The aviation sector recognized that, despite technological advancements in aircraft design and safety systems, the majority of accidents could be traced back to human factors such as miscommunication, lack of situational awareness, and poor decision-making.

CRM focuses on teamwork, communication, and problem-solving among crew members, emphasizing the importance of interpersonal skills and effective communication to enhance safety and efficiency. The aviation industry implemented these principles to train pilots, co-pilots, and cabin crew to work together more effectively, thereby reducing the risk of accidents caused by human error.

While CRM concepts have since been adopted by various other sectors, including healthcare, construction, and the military, its roots lie firmly in aviation, where the need to minimize human error was critical to ensuring passenger safety and operational reliability.