All Root Cause Analyses Are NOT Created Equal

Bad Root Cause Analysis

I came across an article about a hospital error that resulted in a patient’s injury. The article said they were going to perform a root cause analysis. Then, I started to wonder … Were they going to perform a BAD root cause analysis?  

What defines bad root cause analysis?

• They look to place blame (and potentially fire someone for a mistake).
• They look to cover up mistakes.
• They look for easy answers.
• They jump to conclusions.
• They pick their favorite root causes.
• They don’t improve performance.
• They won’t look for management system root causes.

That’s a BAD list. However, I frequently observe these types of root cause analysis failures. That’s why, back in the 1980s, I started developing TapRooT® Root Cause Analysis. I wanted to solve problems of that type. For people who have adopted TapRooT® RCA, we have solved those problems and more.

But there is still a long way to go.

Why Do Root Cause Analysis Problems Still Exist

Why is there still a long way to go? Because people continue to pick bad methods to perform root cause analysis…

• Some people think about BLAME first and think that human error is a root cause.
• People think 5-Whys is a good way to find root causes.
• They don’t recognize the drawbacks of using Cause and Effect to analyze problems. (That there is a tendency to find the answer that they want to find, rather than looking at the evidence objectively. This is called “confirmation bias.”)
• Some think that just filling out a form is good enough. Somehow, the form will prevent mistakes and save lives.
• Some think all they need to do is apply the scientific method, and they will discover the root causes of the problem.

WELL … These techniques haven’t worked for years, and they won’t start working today!

What is the definition of insanity?

Don’t be insane!

Try Guided Root Cause Analysis

Is it time to try a system that uses expert systems to guide you to root causes? You need to try the TapRooT® Root Cause Analysis System. See how it guides you to the real, fixable causes of problems. Learn more about guided root cause analysis HERE. Or watch the video below…

 CLICK HERE to see an example of an analysis of an environmental accident analyzed using the TapRooT® System.

Guaranteed Root Cause Analysis Training

We guarantee our courses. Here is the guarantee:

Attend the course, go back to work, and use what you have learned to analyze accidents, incidents, near-misses, equipment failures, operating issues, or quality problems. If you don’t find root causes that you previously would have overlooked, and if you and your management don’t agree that the corrective actions that you recommend are much more effective, just return your course materials/software, and we will refund the entire course fee.

If you are investigating serious problems, attend a 5-Day TapRooT®  Advanced Root Cause Analysis Team Leader Course. Get more information about the course HERE.

See our upcoming public courses held around the world HERE.

If you would like to hold a course at your site, CLICK HERE to contact us or call 865-539-2139.