This course provides a comprehensive introduction to Root Cause Analysis (RCA) as a vital investigative tool for identifying the underlying causes of incidents, non-conformities, and failures. Designed for professionals involved in safety, quality, operations, and compliance, it equips participants with structured approaches and techniques to systematically analyze incidents and implement effective corrective actions.
By understanding root causes rather than treating symptoms, organizations can enhance safety, improve processes, and prevent recurrence.
- HSE Professionals
- Quality Assurance/Control Managers
- Operations and Maintenance Engineers
- Compliance Officers
- Risk Managers and Auditors
- Incident Investigators
- Supervisors and Line Managers
To equip professionals with the tools, methods, and mindset needed to conduct effective root cause analyses that support safer, more efficient, and compliant operations.
By the end of this training course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the concept and importance of Root Cause Analysis (RCA).
- Apply structured RCA methods to investigate incidents and non-conformities.
- Collect and analyze relevant data to identify direct, contributing, and root causes.
- Use RCA tools such as the 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagram, and Fault Tree Analysis.
- Develop and implement corrective and preventive actions.
- Improve incident investigation reports and follow-up processes.
- Introduction to Root Cause Analysis
- Definitions: Root Cause vs. Immediate Cause
- Importance of RCA in Investigations and Organizational Learning
- Applications in Safety, Quality, and Operations
- Principles of Effective Investigation
- Overview of the Incident Investigation Process
- Roles and Responsibilities of Investigators
- Bias, Objectivity, and Ethics in Investigations
- Information Gathering and Data Collection
- Scene Management and Initial Response
- Interview Techniques and Witness Statements
- Evidence Collection and Documentation
- Root Cause Analysis Tools and Techniques
- 5 Whys Technique
- Fishbone (Ishikawa) Diagram
- Fault Tree Analysis
- Change Analysis and Barrier Analysis
- Identifying and Classifying Causes
- Immediate, Contributing, and Root Causes
- Human Error, System Failures, and Process Gaps
- Common Cause Classifications and Taxonomies
- Developing Corrective and Preventive Actions
- Linking Root Causes to Solutions
- Ensuring Actions are Specific, Measurable, and Sustainable
- Monitoring Implementation and Effectiveness
- Improving Reporting and Communication
- Writing Effective RCA Reports
- Presenting Findings and Recommendations
- Communicating Lessons Learned
- Continuous Improvement and RCA Integration
- Using RCA Trends to Inform Policy and Procedure
- RCA in Quality and HSE Management Systems
- Case Studies and Best Practices
