In which scenario is a root cause analysis typically performed?

A root cause analysis is primarily aimed at identifying the fundamental reasons behind an incident or problem, particularly in the context of safety and operational effectiveness. In the scenario of investigating underlying reasons for an accident or near-miss event, conducting a root cause analysis allows organizations to delve deeply into the factors leading to such incidents. This process helps to uncover not just the immediate causes but also any systemic issues, contributing factors, or underlying conditions that may have led to the event.

The objective is to develop corrective actions that not only address the immediate issue but also eliminate the root causes, preventing future occurrences. This aligns with the overall goal of enhancing safety and improving operations within an organization, making it crucial for accident prevention and risk management.

The other scenarios do not typically necessitate a root cause analysis because they focus on aspects like employee performance, training, or financial reporting rather than the investigation of incidents and their underlying causes.