When something goes wrong on site, it’s easy to focus on the obvious issue, whether it is an oil spill, an injury, or an equipment failure. Behind every incident is a chain of factors that made it possible. Root-cause analysis (RCA) helps you look beyond the surface to understand the “why” when something happens, so it can be prevented in the future.
RCA is a structured way of investigating an incident or failure to find the underlying reasons behind it, not just the immediate trigger.
A root cause is the factor that, if eliminated, would stop the problem from recurring, helping professionals separate the obvious from the critical factors that resulted in the event.
RCA gives your team more than just an explanation — it gives you a plan. By understanding the real reason something happened, you can:
Many investigations stop too early. They identify an action (“worker didn’t follow procedure”) but not the systemic issues behind that action.
Examples of surface issues:
Examples of root causes:
RCA is one of the most powerful tools for improvement but only when it goes deeper than the first explanation you hear. By focusing on the underlying causes, teams can make meaningful, long-lasting changes that improve safety, quality, and day-to-day operations.
In the next part of the Root-Cause Analysis series, we will explore common methods and tools you can use to uncover the root causes effectively and consistently.
Ontario has launched what it describes as Canada’s first Occupational Exposure Registry (OER), a digital portal designed to let workers document exposure to hazardous substances over the course of their careers and support efforts to prevent occupational disease.
In the previous installment of this series where we look into Root-Cause Analysis (RCA) we explored what RCA is and why it matters. Now it is time to look at the tools and methods you can use to find underlying causes. Each method has its strengths and works best in specific situations, so knowing which one to choose can make your investigation more effective.
When something goes wrong on site, it’s easy to focus on the obvious issue, whether it is an oil spill, an injury, or an equipment failure. Behind every incident is a chain of factors that made it possible. Root-cause analysis (RCA) helps you look beyond the surface to understand the "why" when something happens, so it can be prevented in the future.
Over the past few months, our Gamechangers series has been running on our website to focus on some of the features on FlexManager that may go under the radar. From Language APIs to Digital signatures, and everything inbetween, these unsung aspects that contribute to our clients achieving their compliance goals deserve their time in the limelight. Here is your all-in-one guide to our "Gamechangers".
Falls from height remain one of the leading causes of death and serious injury in construction. In response, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) in partnership with Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI), the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) and Spinal Injuries Ireland have today launched a two week all-island safety campaign focusing on tackling falls from height and improving compliance on sites.
Nova Scotia’s energy regulator will hold two separate inquiries into last year’s cyberattack at Nova Scotia Power and the utility’s handling of customer information and billing, deepening scrutiny of cybersecurity and governance at the workplace.
In our Flex Insights series, FlexManager leaders share their perspectives on key topics to provide context for organisations to guide them in driving smarter, safer, and more efficient operations. Watch the full conversation between George and Peter as they discuss the importance of instilling a culture built around safety and having teams report near misses as soon as they are identified.
Manitoba’s Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) branch has halted certain operations following an explosion that injured three employees late last month, according to a report.
Paper-based documentation and processes limited visibility and the tracking of quality audits, non-conformances, and equipment status across different buildings. Preventative maintenance was difficult to prioritise, track, and report on. As the organisation continued to grow, maintaining consistent health and safety practices and quality standards became increasingly challenging.
Compliance audits, incident investigations, and safety management all hinge on accurate, real-time location data. Yet, many organizations still rely on manual tracking, spreadsheets, or outdated systems, which can lead to gaps in compliance, delayed responses to incidents, and unnecessary operational risk. Geolocation technology is emerging as a gamechanger, offering the ability to monitor, verify, and manage workforce and assets with precision and accountability.
Job Hazard Analysis, Pre-task Planning, Safe Work Plan. Different organisations undertake the same process, but have different naming regimens. No matter what you call it, we have it covered through our Job Risk Management (JRM) module.
Thousands more young people will be given the opportunity to train as bricklayers, plumbers and engineers as the government creates 13,000 apprenticeship and T Level placement opportunities as part of its plan to transform school buildings.
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