Digging Deeper: The Role of Root Cause Analysis in Workplace Safety

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Summary

When a workplace accident or near-miss happens, what’s the first reaction? For a lot of businesses, it’s something like:

·        “Well, accidents happen.”

·        “The worker wasn’t paying attention.”

·        “Let’s remind everyone to be more careful.”

But here’s the problem—none of those actually solve anything.

If you don’t dig into the real reasons behind an incident, you’re guaranteeing that it’ll happen again. That’s where Root Cause Analysis (RCA) comes in. It helps businesses in Calgary go beyond quick fixes and uncover the real problems causing workplace hazards.

So, let’s break it down: What is RCA? Why does it matter? And how can you use it to prevent workplace injuries?

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What Is Root Cause Analysis (RCA) in OH&S?

Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is a structured approach to figuring out what really caused a workplace incident, rather than just addressing the symptoms. Instead of just blaming human error or bad luck, RCA digs deeper to find the underlying factors that led to the incident.

Think of it like this: If a pipe bursts, you don’t just mop up the water—you find out why the pipe burst so it doesn’t happen again.

The same logic applies to workplace safety.

Why Is Root Cause Analysis Important for Calgary Businesses?

  • Prevents Recurring Accidents – Fixing the true cause of a hazard means the same accident won’t happen again.
  • Saves Money – Fewer accidents mean lower WCB premiums, legal risks, and lost productivity.
  • Meets OHS Compliance – Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act expects businesses to investigate and correct hazards.
  • Boosts Safety Culture – Employees feel safer and more confident in their workplace when they see real safety improvements.

How to Perform a Root Cause Analysis (RCA) in Safety Incidents

Step One: Gather Information

  • Interview employees involved in or witnessing the incident.
  • Take photos, collect equipment logs, and review video footage.
  • Examine past incidents—have similar accidents happened before?

Pro Tip: Avoid blame! Employees should feel comfortable sharing what happened without fear of punishment.

Step Two: Ask "Why?" Multiple Times (The 5 Whys Technique)

The “5 Whys” method is one of the simplest and most effective ways to find the root cause of an incident.

Example:
Incident: A worker slipped on a warehouse floor and broke their wrist.

  • First, why did they slip? – There was a puddle of water on the floor.
  • Second, why was there water on the floor? – A pipe was leaking.
  • Third, why was the pipe leaking? – It hadn’t been properly maintained.
  • Fourth, why wasn’t it maintained? – No one was assigned to check it.
  • Fifth, why wasn’t anyone assigned? – There’s no maintenance schedule in place.

Root Cause: Lack of a maintenance program led to an unaddressed leak, which created a slipping hazard.

Solution: Implement a routine maintenance schedule and assign responsibility.

Step Three: Use a Fishbone Diagram (Ishikawa Diagram) for Complex Issues

Some problems have multiple causes. A fishbone diagram (also called an Ishikawa Diagram) helps break down different contributing factors.

Example: A forklift accident in a warehouse

  • People: Was the operator properly trained? Were they fatigued?
  • Process: Were there clear traffic lanes for forklifts?
  • Equipment: Was the forklift properly maintained?
  • Environment: Was visibility low? Were floors slippery?

This method helps businesses see the bigger picture instead of just blaming one factor.

Step Four: Develop a Long-Term Solution

Once the root cause is found, it’s time to fix it permanently. Solutions should:

  • Address the actual cause (not just symptoms).
  • Be practical and prevent future incidents.
  • Involve input from employees who work in the affected area.

Common Workplace Issues That Need RCA

All incidents require Root Cause Analysis; however, focus on these recurring ones immediately.

  • Frequent Slips, Trips, and Falls – Are spills not getting cleaned up fast enough? Is flooring uneven?
  • Repetitive Strain Injuries – Are workstations ergonomic? Are employees trained on proper lifting?
  • Equipment Malfunctions – Is maintenance being skipped? Are employees using the right tools?
  • Near Misses – Are safety procedures too complicated or being ignored?
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How Calgary Safety Consultants Can Help with Root Cause Analysis

At Calgary Safety Consultants, we go beyond surface-level fixes to identify what’s really causing safety problems in Calgary businesses.

We offer:

  • Incident investigations using RCA techniques.
  • Workplace safety audits to identify hidden risks before they cause harm.
  • Custom safety plans to eliminate hazards and ensure OHS compliance.
  • Employee training on hazard identification and accident prevention.

Don’t wait until another accident happens. Let’s make real changes that keep your business and employees safe.

Book your complimentary consultation today.

Stay safe, stay compliant, and keep your business running smoothly!

References

  1. Alberta Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act – https://www.alberta.ca/ohs
  2. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) – https://www.ccohs.ca
  3. Workers’ Compensation Board of Alberta (WCB-Alberta) – https://www.wcb.ab.ca

FAQs for Root Cause Analysis

Root Cause Analysis (RCA) helps businesses identify the real reasons behind workplace incidents instead of just addressing symptoms. By fixing the root cause, companies can prevent repeat accidents, reduce injury-related costs, and stay OHS-compliant.

Two popular methods are the 5 Whys technique, which involves repeatedly asking "why?" to uncover deeper causes, and the Fishbone Diagram (Ishikawa Diagram), which visually maps out different contributing factors. There is also SCAT and Tap-Root.

Absolutely! By identifying and eliminating root causes, businesses can create safer work environments, reduce WCB claims, and improve productivity.

Secure Your Workplace Safety Today

Calgary Safety Consultants is here to help you ensure compliance, enhance safety, and streamline your OH&S program. Don’t wait—fill out the form, and we’ll connect with you to discuss how we can support your business. Let’s get started!