Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

What aspect is usually not included in a root cause analysis report?

1. Organizational systems

2. Negligent individuals

3. Equipment failures

4. Process deficiencies

The correct answer is: Negligent individuals

A root cause analysis report aims to identify underlying issues that contribute to an incident or problem, focusing on systemic factors rather than attributing blame to individuals. The emphasis is placed on understanding broader organizational systems, process deficiencies, and equipment failures, which often uncover insights into why an incident occurred at a systemic level rather than placing the responsibility on negligent behavior of individuals. This approach promotes learning and improvement within the organization, rather than fostering a punitive culture, which is crucial in safety-focused environments where the goal is to prevent future incidents. By concentrating on organizational and systemic issues, root cause analysis can lead to more effective preventive measures and a safer workplace.