checklists

The subject of checklist use has come up in another thread and I thought it
deserved its own.

I was recently told that the compulsory use of written checklists originated
with the introduction of the B17 which was experiencing a high degree of
incidents caused by procedural deviations. It was felt that the complexity
of the aircraft required the adoption of formalized written procedures best
accomplished by the use of written checklists.

My flight training emphasized correct checklist usage and their proper use
in a team environment is a big part of proper CRM. IHBT the fastest way to
fail a flight test is failure to properly utilize checklists and I have
heard of examiners failing an applicant (before taking the runway) as a
result of failure to use proper written checklists for startup and
preflight.

I have recently read of the adoption of written checklists in medical
treatment which has significantly reduced medical mistakes and malpractice.

I am currently engaged in a project involving the introduction and
implementation of written checklists in heavy industrial construction and
maintenance and would appreciate comments and particularly links to articles
regarding checklist usage and implementation.

TIA