What does “root cause analysis” help to determine?

Root cause analysis is a systematic approach used to identify the fundamental underlying reasons for an incident or adverse event. It goes beyond the surface-level observations and seeks to uncover the deeper issues that may have contributed to the incident occurring. By focusing on the root causes, organizations can implement effective solutions that address these fundamental issues, rather than merely treating the symptoms or consequences of the incident.

In the context of workplace safety, understanding the root cause of accidents or safety breaches is crucial for developing strategies to prevent similar incidents in the future. This process typically involves gathering data, analyzing the sequence of events, and identifying contributing factors, all aimed at establishing a basis for corrective actions that enhance overall safety and reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

The other options provided, while relevant to workplace safety management, do not align with the primary focus of root cause analysis. The financial impact of accidents, common safety violations, and employee attitudes toward safety procedures are important considerations in workplace safety but do not reflect the primary aim of root cause analysis, which is to uncover and address the foundational reasons behind adverse incidents.