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Groundings of the M/V Rena and Costa Concordia Ships -- From an RCA Expert's Perspective

According to long-time ship captain, Eddie Janson, the recent groundings of the M/V Rena and the Costa Concordia point out important lessons when seen through the eyes of a root cause analysis expert. So far, the response to these incidents seems to have focused mostly on human error as the cause and punitive actions as the solution. But the purpose of a root cause analysis is not to find someone to blame, it is to prevent an undesired event from happening again. We have to ask, why was it possible to make this error? What safeguards should have been in place to prevent it? To truly change unsafe behavior, regular training and commitment from the top is needed. 

Eddie Janson, Sologic Scandinavia Director
Shipgaz magazine
Slow Down and Think Causally to Solve Pump Problems

Avoid repeat failures and lost production or profits by using a structured approach to problem solving.

Chris Eckert, President
Pumps and Systems
Got an Effective Problem-Solving Culture?

Improve the problem-solving culture of your organization by following three essential steps.

Bruce Ballinger, Sologic Instructor
Quality Digest
Safety Action Review Board Best Practices

Improve RCA report quality and more effectively share improvement ideas throughout the organization by setting up a safety review board.

Brian Hughes, Vice President
Professional Safety
RCA Concepts and Best Practices for IT Problem Managers

Successful IT problem-solving organizations are increasingly implementing formal root cause analysis (RCA) within their ITIL problem management structure to more effectively analyze problems and prevent negative impacts on the business.

Mark Hall
Industrial Engineer
Effective Preparedness Training: Improving Response to Major Incidents

By designating, training and preparing employees ahead of time, and continuously practicing and refreshing training, organizations can be well-equipped to effectively prevent and respond to safety incidents.

Mike Resimius and John Stiller
Professional Safety
Solving Supply Chain Problems Proactively

Companies that need to manage the risks of a complex global supply chain are most successful when they proactively solve problems through a robust Solution Management System (SMS) built on a solid, adaptable root cause analysis program.

Brian Hughes, Vice President
Industrial Engineer
Is "more training" the Solution to Human Error? RCA Solves Problems and Makes Training Programs More Effective

Training in an effective root cause analysis methodology and careful program implementation can resolve recurring problems chalked up to human error, and help accomplish training goals.

Mike Resimius and John Stiller
Plant Engineering
Evidence that Sticks: Root Cause Analysis Paves the Way for Process Improvement

Lack of thorough process knowledge is the most powerful factor that limits or destroys improvement initiatives.  Root cause analysis delivers process knowledge that supports improvement initiatives and earns management support.

Tracy Willis
Industrial Engineer
Stretch Your Shrinking Budget with RCA

RCA program champions can prove the program's benefits, cost savings and profit generation within the context of revenue goals, inspiring senior leaders to recognize the return-on-investment and investing more in the RCA program -- paying off in the short and long term.

Chris Eckert, President
Maintenance Technology
Reducing the Systemic Risks of Human Error

When the cause of a problem is identified as human error and disciplinary action is the chosen solution, it doesn't really improve the long-term error rate, but instead actually increases risk and cover-up attempts.  By providing people with a more robust way to identify conditional causes, solutions will more likely be identified that fix the problem permanently and reduce risk.

Brian Hughes, Vice President
American Society of Safety Engineers "Safety 2010" Conference
Evidence Preservation - Step by Step

Preserve evidence essential to a successful root cause analysis while securing the area, getting back to safe mode, navigating people issues and needs, and minimizing downtime.

Brian Hughes, Vice President
Professional Safety