What is 'root cause analysis' in RM context?

• A. Ignoring the cause and addressing only symptoms.
• B. Identifying the underlying reason a hazard exists to prevent recurrence rather than just addressing symptoms.
• C. Blaming individuals for hazards.
• D. Focusing on equipment failures only.

Answer: (B)

Root cause analysis in risk management is a structured approach to uncover the underlying reason a hazard exists, so you can implement fixes that prevent it from happening again rather than just treating the symptoms. It goes beyond the immediate danger or failed outcome and looks at the broader system—people, procedures, training, equipment design, workload, and environmental factors—that allowed the hazard to occur. By identifying the true cause, you address what needs to change to remove or control that cause, yielding lasting risk reduction.

For example, if a near-miss happens because a task is consistently performed too quickly, a root cause analysis would explore training, standard operating procedures, task design, time allotment, and supervision. Corrective actions might include revised procedures, revised pacing, better checklists, or enhanced training, rather than simply telling the worker to be more careful.

This approach contrasts with options that only fix symptoms, blame individuals, or focus narrowly on equipment. Treating symptoms might stop the immediate incident but leaves the underlying vulnerability intact. Blaming individuals discourages reporting and learning, and focusing only on equipment misses human and systemic factors that contribute to hazards.