Root Cause Analysis Training
Investigating a workplace accident without the right tools and methodology risks identifying symptoms rather than causes and without addressing root causes, the same incident will happen again. This course gives delegates the knowledge and practical skills to carry out structured accident investigations and root cause analysis. On successful completion, delegates receive a certificate of competency.
• The need for investigation and root cause analysis
Why structured accident investigation is a legal and organisational requirement, what it is designed to achieve beyond compliance, and how root cause analysis differs from a surface-level account of what happened.
• Legislative implications
The legal framework relevant to accident investigation, including RIDDOR reporting requirements, the duties placed on employers when an incident occurs and the potential consequences of inadequate investigation.
• Safety management systems
A review of safety management system principles and how effective investigation feeds back into the system to prevent recurrence and drive continual improvement.
• Human and systemic failure
How to distinguish between human failure and systemic failure, the different types of human error and how systemic factors - including management decisions, workplace design and organisational culture - contribute to incidents.
• Timelines and multiple causation
How to use timelines to build a broader picture of an incident, identify multiple causation factors and understand how a sequence of events and conditions combined to produce the outcome.
• The five whys technique
How to apply the five whys technique to identify the deeper underlying causes of an incident, move beyond immediate causes and establish the root causes that must be addressed to prevent recurrence.
• Collecting and analysing information
How to gather evidence effectively following an incident, including witness accounts, physical evidence and documentation, and how to analyse the information to build an accurate and objective picture of what occurred.
• Generating solutions
How to develop actionable recommendations that address identified root causes, prioritise corrective actions and communicate findings in a way that drives genuine improvement.
• Assessment
Knowledge checks completed at the end of the course.
Classroom-based theory combined with practical exercises, case studies and scenario discussions to apply root cause analysis in realistic situations.
Personnel involved in incident or near-miss investigations, including those responsible for reviewing incidents, performing root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions.
Delegates should have a basic understanding of health and safety principles.