Root cause analysis (RCA) is essential to prevent repeat incidents in industrial settings. This article explains two practical RCA techniques — the 5 Whys and Fishbone diagrams — and shows how safety teams can apply them with checklists, documentation, KPIs, and corrective action systems to reduce injuries and near misses across plants, warehouses, and construction sites.
Why Root Cause Analysis Matters for Industrial Safety
When an incident occurs on a plant floor or construction site, the immediate focus is on the person and the event. A worker slips. A load is dropped. A machine guard is bypassed. The temptation is to address the immediate, or proximate, cause. We might retrain the worker, discipline the operator, or replace the guard. While necessary, these actions are like treating a symptom without diagnosing the disease. The problem almost always comes back. This is where Root Cause Analysis (RCA) becomes essential, shifting the focus from who made an error to why the error was possible in the first place.
The stakes are incredibly high. According to the AFL-CIO’s 2024 “Death on the Job” report, hazardous working conditions contribute to the deaths of about 344 workers every day in the United States. While workplace safety has improved dramatically since the 1970s, with injury rates dropping from 10.9 per 100 workers in 1972 to 2.7 in 2022, thousands still suffer preventable harm. RCA is a systematic method for preventing recurrence by digging past superficial causes to uncover the underlying organizational and systemic failures. It’s the difference between patching a leaky pipe and fixing the water pressure issue that caused the leak.
This proactive approach aligns directly with the spirit, if not the explicit letter, of OSHA regulations. Under 29 CFR 1904, employers are required to investigate and report serious incidents. A robust RCA process provides the defensible, thorough investigation that regulators expect. It demonstrates a commitment to not just reacting to incidents but actively learning from them. The findings from an RCA are not just for a report that sits on a shelf; they are critical inputs for a living safety management system. They drive Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPAs), inform the Management of Change (MOC) process when a procedure or piece of equipment needs modification, and fuel a cycle of continuous improvement.
The impact of a mature RCA program is directly visible in key safety performance metrics. Organizations that effectively implement RCA see tangible reductions in their Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) and Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred (DART) rate. By solving problems at their source, fewer incidents occur, and those that do are often less severe, leading to fewer lost workdays. The financial argument is just as compelling. With the average cost per medically consulted injury at approximately $47,000, not including downtime or productivity losses, preventing even a single incident yields a significant return. Furthermore, a strong RCA culture boosts leading indicators like near-miss reporting. When employees trust that a near-miss report will trigger a genuine inquiry into system flaws rather than personal blame, they become active participants in identifying risks before they cause harm.
Consider a manufacturing plant that struggled with a high rate of hand injuries at a specific workstation. Initially, they blamed operator inattention and conducted repetitive safety briefings. After implementing RCA, they discovered the root cause was a combination of poor ergonomics that fatigued workers and a production quota that incentivized rushing. The solution wasn’t more warnings; it was redesigning the workstation and adjusting the quota. In the year following these changes, recordable hand injuries at that station dropped to zero. Similarly, a warehouse reduced forklift-pedestrian near-misses by over 80% not by just repainting floor markings, but by using RCA to identify that poorly stacked inventory created dangerous blind corners, a systemic issue that was then corrected.
Of course, implementing effective RCA is not without its challenges. The most significant barrier is often a deep-seated blame culture, where investigations are seen as witch hunts. This silences honest feedback and hides systemic problems. Other common hurdles include poor data collection at the time of an incident, a lack of formal RCA training for supervisors and safety personnel, and siloed departments that point fingers instead of collaborating. Overcoming these barriers requires decisive management action. Leadership must champion a “just culture” that separates human error from reckless behavior and focuses on system improvement. They must invest in training, provide standardized tools for incident investigation, and mandate the formation of cross-functional teams for every significant event. By doing so, they transform incidents from failures to be punished into invaluable opportunities to build a safer, more resilient workplace.
Applying the 5 Whys Technique in Industrial Incidents
The 5 Whys technique is a simple, effective tool for digging past the surface symptoms of an incident to find what’s truly going on. It’s best suited for incidents that are simple to moderately complex, where the chain of events follows a relatively straight line. Think of a single dropped load or a minor collision. For highly complex events with multiple contributing factors happening at once, the 5 Whys can be too simplistic. In those cases, a method like the Fishbone diagram, which we’ll cover next, is more appropriate. But for many day-to-day incidents in plants, warehouses, and on construction sites, the 5 Whys provides a clear path to a meaningful solution.
The process is straightforward but requires discipline. A neutral facilitator guides a small team, including frontline workers directly involved, through a series of “Why?” questions. The facilitator’s job isn’t to have the answers but to keep the team focused, prevent blame, and ensure the inquiry goes deep enough. The first step is framing a clear, factual problem statement. It should be specific and free of judgment. For example, “Forklift #7 collided with storage rack B3 in Aisle 5” is much better than “John crashed the forklift again.”
With a clear problem statement, the facilitator begins the questioning. When interviewing frontline workers, the goal is to understand the conditions and pressures they faced. A structured, non-accusatory approach is key. Instead of asking, “Why weren’t you paying attention?” ask, “Can you walk me through the moments leading up to the collision?” This encourages an honest account of the situation. Each answer to a “Why?” question forms the basis for the next question.
Let’s walk through a common industrial scenario.
Worked Example: Dropped Load from a Crane
Problem Statement: On December 20, 2025, a 500-pound pallet of materials was dropped from Crane #3 in the fabrication bay, landing in a restricted zone. No one was injured.
- Why #1: Why was the load dropped?
The rigging sling failed mid-lift. (This is the immediate technical cause, but not the root cause). Evidence: Photos of the snapped synthetic sling, witness statements. - Why #2: Why did the sling fail?
It was frayed and worn beyond its service limit. (This points to an equipment condition). Evidence: Inspection of the failed sling, manufacturer’s discard criteria. - Why #3: Why was a worn sling used for the lift?
The pre-use inspection did not identify the damage. (This moves us toward human or process factors). Evidence: Interview with the rigger, review of the pre-use inspection checklist. - Why #4: Why did the pre-use inspection fail to identify the damage?
The area where the lift occurred was poorly lit, and the rigger felt rushed to complete the job to keep the production line moving. (Now we’re uncovering systemic and environmental factors). Evidence: Light meter readings in the fabrication bay, interview with the area supervisor about production targets. - Why #5: Why was the area poorly lit and the rigger feeling rushed?
A work order to replace burnt-out overhead lights had been pending for three weeks, and production quotas do not account for delays caused by equipment or facility issues. (This is the root cause: a breakdown in the maintenance process and a management system that prioritizes production over safe operating conditions).
Stopping at Why #2 would lead to simply replacing the sling. Stopping at Why #3 might lead to retraining the rigger. But by reaching Why #5, we identify two systemic problems that, if fixed, will prevent a wide range of future incidents.
To make these findings actionable, link them to SMART corrective actions. For the root cause above, the actions might be:
- Action 1 (Maintenance): Revise the maintenance work order system to prioritize and escalate safety-critical repairs, with a target completion of 48 hours. This will be implemented by the Maintenance Manager by January 31, 2026.
- Action 2 (Management System): The Plant Manager will lead a review of production scheduling to integrate a formal “stop work authority” process when enabling conditions like lighting or equipment are not met. This review will be completed by February 28, 2026.
Proper documentation is essential for tracking and verifying that these actions are completed. A simple log can capture all the necessary information.
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Incident ID | Unique identifier for the event (e.g., 2025-FAB-012). |
| Date of Incident | Date and time the event occurred. |
| Problem Statement | Clear, factual description of what happened. |
| Why #1 – #5 | The answer to each “Why?” question. |
| Evidence | Notes on photos, logs, interviews, or documents supporting each “Why.” |
| Root Cause(s) | The final systemic cause(s) identified. |
| Corrective Action(s) | Specific, assigned tasks to address the root cause. |
| Assigned To & Due Date | Who is responsible and the deadline for completion. |
| Verification Step | How you will confirm the action was effective (e.g., audit of work orders, observation of new process). |
Using Fishbone Diagrams to Map Complex Causal Factors
When an incident isn’t a straight line from A to B, the 5 Whys can feel limiting. Complex safety events in plants, warehouses, or on construction sites often have multiple contributing factors that intersect. For these situations, the Fishbone diagram, also known as an Ishikawa or cause-and-effect diagram, is a far more effective tool. It excels at visually organizing the results of a brainstorming session, helping a team map out many potential causes instead of getting tunnel vision on a single path. The diagram looks like a fish skeleton, with the problem statement forming the “head” and the major causal categories forming the “bones” that branch off the spine.
The power of this method lies in its structure. It forces the investigation team to consider a wide range of influences. For most industrial safety investigations, we start with a standard set of categories, often called the 6 Ms.
- People (or Man)
Factors related to human involvement, like training, experience, fatigue, or communication. - Equipment (or Machine)
Issues with tools, machinery, or vehicles, such as maintenance failures, design flaws, or incorrect settings. - Process (or Method)
How the work is done, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and unwritten practices. - Materials (or Supply)
Problems with raw materials, consumables, or parts used in the process. - Environment (or Conditions)
External factors like weather, lighting, noise, or the physical layout of the workspace. - Management Systems
Organizational factors, including leadership, safety culture, production pressure, and resource allocation.
These categories are a starting point, not a rigid rule. On a construction site, you might adapt them to include Subcontractors or Site Logistics. In a warehouse, categories like Inventory Systems or Picking Technology might be more relevant. The key is to tailor the framework to fit the specific context of the incident.
Facilitating a fishbone session requires a structured approach to capture quality input from a cross-functional team of operators, maintenance staff, engineers, and supervisors.
- Frame the Problem
Write a clear, specific problem statement for the “head” of the fish. For example, “Operator’s hand caught in conveyor belt at Station 3 on Dec 20, 2025.” Avoid including causes in the statement. - Set Up the Diagram
Draw the spine and the main “bones” on a large whiteboard, labeling each with your chosen categories. - Brainstorm Causes
Go through each category one by one. Ask the team, “What People factors could have contributed to this incident?” Write every suggestion on a smaller branch coming off the main bone. Encourage open discussion and avoid criticism. - Drill Deeper
For each potential cause identified, ask “Why?” to create smaller sub-branches. This is like running a mini 5 Whys analysis on each branch of the diagram. - Validate with Evidence
As the diagram fills up, challenge the team to connect causes to evidence. Annotate the diagram with references to specific documents, photos, or interviews. For example, a branch labeled “Worn Guard Interlock” under Equipment should be annotated with a link to the maintenance record [EVID-MR-451] or a photo [EVID-IMG-002].
Let’s consider a manufacturing plant example. An experienced operator suffers a serious laceration after a machine guard fails. The problem statement is “Operator hand injury from contact with cutting blade.” The team’s Fishbone diagram might reveal causes across several categories. Under Equipment, they find a faulty proximity sensor. Under Process, they discover an unwritten shortcut to clear jams faster. Under Management Systems, they identify that production quotas discouraged proper lockout/tagout procedures. Each of these is a significant contributing factor.
In a warehouse scenario, a loaded pallet rack collapses. The problem is “Rack failure in Aisle C, Bay 4.” The Fishbone analysis might uncover that under Materials, pallets were consistently overloaded beyond the rack’s rated capacity. Under Equipment, CCTV footage [EVID-CCTV-11B] shows a recent forklift impact that weakened a support beam. Under Environment, the investigation finds the rack was not anchored to a slightly uneven concrete floor, a detail missed during installation.
Once the diagram is complete, you must prioritize. Not all causes are equal. Use a simple risk scoring method (Likelihood x Severity) or a Pareto analysis to identify the vital few causes that had the biggest impact. The branches with the highest scores become your candidate root causes. These are then converted into specific corrective actions, such as “Redesign guard interlock circuit” or “Implement mandatory annual rack inspections by a certified engineer.” The completed and annotated diagram should be saved as a PDF or image and attached to the incident record in your safety management system, providing a clear visual record of the entire investigation.
Integrating 5 Whys and Fishbone with Safety Management Systems
Moving from theory to practice requires embedding 5 Whys and Fishbone diagrams into your daily safety management system (SMS). This creates a predictable, repeatable program instead of an occasional, reactive exercise. The key is establishing clear governance from the start. This begins with trigger criteria. Not every incident needs a full-blown Fishbone analysis. A good rule of thumb is to trigger a formal RCA for any lost-time injury, recordable incident, high-potential near-miss, or any recurring issue, even if minor. For simpler events, a supervisor-led 5 Whys might suffice.
Your governance should also define investigator qualifications. Lead investigators should complete formal training in RCA techniques, evidence collection, and interview methods. The investigation team must be cross-functional, including the affected employee, their direct supervisor, a safety professional, and a maintenance or engineering representative if equipment is involved. Establish clear timelines; a simple 5 Whys should be completed within 48 hours, while a complex Fishbone analysis may take up to two weeks. Documentation standards are non-negotiable, requiring a single, standardized template for all investigations. Finally, escalation rules are crucial. If an investigation uncovers a systemic issue with significant capital or policy implications, there must be a formal process to escalate findings to senior leadership.
A typical workflow looks like this:
- Incident Report An employee reports an incident or near-miss, ideally through a mobile app that captures initial details and photos.
- Triage A safety manager or supervisor reviews the report within hours to assess severity and potential. They decide if an RCA is needed and assign an investigator.
- Investigation & Technique Selection The investigator forms a team and secures the scene. Based on the initial triage, they choose the appropriate tool. For a straightforward process failure, 5 Whys is often best. For a complex event with multiple potential factors, a Fishbone diagram is more effective.
- Data Collection The team gathers evidence using structured checklists for scene preservation, witness interviews, and documentation review.
- Root Cause Identification The team facilitates the 5 Whys or Fishbone session to identify underlying systemic causes, not just immediate human error.
- Action Assignment The team defines SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) and assigns them to responsible individuals with due dates.
- Verification & Closure Once an action is marked complete, a designated person verifies its effectiveness through observation or audit before formally closing the incident file.
To support this workflow, use simple checklists.
- On-Scene Evidence Checklist
- Secure the area and prevent unauthorized access.
- Take wide, medium, and close-up photos/videos with timestamps.
- Collect equipment logs, maintenance records, and relevant procedures.
- Note environmental conditions (lighting, weather, noise).
- Bag and tag any physical evidence.
- Interview Checklist
- Interview witnesses separately and as soon as possible.
- Start with open-ended questions like, “Tell me what you saw.”
- Avoid leading questions or assigning blame.
- Ask about normal procedures versus what happened that day.
- Document interview notes and have the witness review them for accuracy.
The true power of RCA comes from linking its outcomes back into your SMS. Findings must feed a corrective action tracking system where progress is monitored. If an investigation reveals a gap in knowledge, the training curriculum must be updated. If a procedure is found to be confusing or inadequate, it must be revised through your document control process. Significant changes to equipment or processes identified in an RCA should trigger a formal Management of Change (MOC) review. Finally, your internal audit program should periodically review a sample of RCAs to ensure they are thorough, timely, and that their corrective actions were effective.
Leaders should monitor a simple dashboard with key performance indicators (KPIs) to gauge the health of the RCA program. Track metrics like percent of incidents with RCA completed, corrective action aging, and the recidivism rate for similar incidents. Digital tools greatly enhance this process. Mobile incident capture apps allow for immediate reporting with time-stamped photo evidence. Workflow software can automate task assignments and reminders for CAPAs. Using digital RCA templates ensures consistency, and analytics platforms can help you spot trends across hundreds of investigations. When using these tools, be mindful of privacy regulations regarding employee data and establish clear data retention policies.
Implementing a robust RCA program can be phased.
- Small Operations Start with defining triggers, using paper templates, and tracking actions on a spreadsheet. Train supervisors in 5 Whys.
- Medium Operations Introduce a dedicated incident management software, train a core group of investigators in both 5 Whys and Fishbone, and begin tracking KPIs.
- Large Operations Fully integrate RCA into an enterprise EHS platform, establish dedicated RCA facilitators, and use analytics to drive predictive safety initiatives.
A sample training curriculum might include a four-hour module for all frontline staff on hazard recognition and the importance of reporting, and a more intensive two-day workshop for investigators covering RCA methodologies, interview techniques, and evidence preservation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Cause Analysis for Safety
When should I use 5 Whys versus a Fishbone Diagram?
Think of it as choosing the right tool for the job. Use the 5 Whys for straightforward incidents where you suspect a single, linear chain of events. It’s fast and effective for less complex issues, like a trip-and-fall caused by a spill. Use a Fishbone (Ishikawa) Diagram for complex incidents with multiple potential contributing factors. It helps your team brainstorm and organize causes across different categories (like People, Process, Equipment, Environment) when the path to the root cause isn’t clear, such as a major equipment failure.
- 5 Whys Checklist: Use if the incident is low-to-moderate complexity, involves a clear sequence of events, and likely has one primary causal chain.
- Fishbone Checklist: Use if the incident is complex, involves multiple systems or departments, has several potential causes, and the team needs a structured brainstorming tool.
What qualifies as a true root cause?
A root cause is a fundamental, system-level weakness that, if corrected, would prevent the incident from happening again. It’s not an individual’s mistake. A true root cause meets three key tests:
- It can be reasonably identified.
- Management has control to fix it.
- Fixing it will prevent or significantly reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
For example, “operator error” is a symptom, not a root cause. The root cause might be “inadequate training program” or “confusing user interface on the control panel.” The VHA National Center for Patient Safety provides excellent guidance on focusing on systems, not individuals. You can learn more from their approach here.
How long should a root cause analysis take?
The timeline depends on the incident’s complexity. A simple 5 Whys for a minor incident can often be completed within 48 hours. A complex Fishbone analysis for a significant event typically takes 5 to 7 business days to complete the full analysis and action plan, though very complex investigations may take longer. The goal is a thorough, accurate analysis, not just a fast one.
How can we avoid a blame culture during investigations?
This is critical for getting honest participation. Frame the RCA as a process to fix systems, not to punish people. Leadership must consistently communicate that the goal is to understand *what* went wrong, not *who* was wrong. During interviews, use neutral, open-ended questions. Focus on the conditions and processes that led to the actions taken. A “Just Culture” approach helps differentiate between human error, at-risk behavior, and reckless behavior, ensuring the response is fair and productive.
How do we verify that our corrective actions were effective?
Verification is more than just marking a task complete. It’s a multi-step process to confirm the fix works and is sustainable.
- Immediate Check: Confirm the action was implemented as planned.
- Short-Term Monitoring: Track performance data and conduct observations for 30-90 days to see if the fix is holding. For example, monitor near-miss reports or conduct targeted inspections in the area.
- Long-Term Audit: Revisit the incident area and process after 6-12 months to ensure the changes have become part of the standard work and that no new hazards were introduced.
What documentation is legally required for an incident investigation?
At a minimum, you must comply with OSHA’s recordkeeping requirements under 29 CFR 1904. This includes maintaining the OSHA 300 Log, 301 Incident Report, and 300A Summary. While OSHA doesn’t mandate a specific RCA format, your documentation should be thorough enough to demonstrate you’ve identified hazards and taken steps to correct them. For incidents that could lead to litigation, it’s vital to preserve a clear chain of custody for all evidence, including time-stamped digital photos, videos, and access logs for investigation files.
How should we handle incidents involving contractors?
Treat contractor incidents with the same rigor as employee incidents. Your site safety plan and contracts should clearly define roles and responsibilities for incident reporting and investigation. The best practice is to conduct a joint investigation with the contractor’s safety representative. This fosters collaboration, ensures all parties have access to the facts, and leads to more effective, shared corrective actions.
How do we integrate near misses into our RCA process?
Treat significant near misses as if an injury occurred. They are free lessons. Use the same trigger criteria you use for actual incidents to determine when a full RCA is needed. Investigating near misses helps you identify and fix system weaknesses before they lead to a recordable injury or fatality. A strong near-miss reporting culture is a leading indicator of a healthy safety program.
How do we prioritize corrective actions when we have limited resources?
Use a risk matrix to prioritize. Score each corrective action based on its potential to reduce risk. A common method is to multiply the severity of the potential incident by its likelihood of recurrence. This creates a risk score. Address the actions with the highest scores first. This data-driven approach helps you focus your time and budget on the fixes that will have the greatest impact on safety.
What training do our investigators need?
Investigators need more than just a template. They need foundational training in:
- RCA Methodologies: Formal training on how to properly facilitate a 5 Whys and a Fishbone Diagram session (4-8 hours).
- Interviewing Skills: How to ask open-ended, non-leading questions and build rapport (4 hours).
- Evidence Collection: Understanding how to preserve a scene, take effective photos, and document observations, including handling digital evidence (2-4 hours).
- Understanding Human Factors: Recognizing how system design influences human performance.
Frontline leads and supervisors should receive awareness training so they understand the process and their role in it.
Conclusions and Next Steps for Safer Workplaces
We’ve explored the mechanics of 5 Whys and Fishbone diagrams, but their true power isn’t in the charts themselves. It’s in the cultural shift they represent. Moving away from simply documenting an incident to truly understanding its origins is the foundation of a proactive safety program. For plants, warehouses, and construction sites, these tools are not just about compliance; they are about prevention. The 5 Whys method excels at cutting through the noise of straightforward incidents, driving teams directly to a controllable root cause. The Fishbone diagram provides the structure needed to untangle more complex events where multiple factors in your people, processes, and equipment contributed to the outcome. Using these methods systematically stops the cycle of repeat incidents, which are often just symptoms of a deeper issue you haven’t addressed yet.
Success, however, depends entirely on execution. An RCA is only as reliable as the process behind it. Choosing the right tool is the first step. A 5 Whys analysis for a multi-faceted equipment failure will miss critical contributing factors, while a Fishbone for a simple slip and fall can be overkill. Your investigation must be guided by a trained facilitator who can keep the team focused, challenge assumptions, and prevent the discussion from devolving into a blame session. The entire process must be anchored in objective evidence. Witness statements are important, but they should be corroborated with photos, equipment logs, training records, and maintenance histories. Without hard data, you are just collecting opinions. Finally, the analysis is useless if it doesn’t lead to meaningful change. Every identified root cause must be linked to a specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) corrective action. These actions must be tracked to completion and verified for effectiveness. Did the fix actually solve the problem? That final verification step is the one most often missed, and it’s arguably the most critical.
To build or strengthen your organization’s RCA capability, here is an actionable checklist to guide your efforts over the next six months.
-
Define Your RCA Triggers (Month 1)
Decide which events will automatically trigger a formal RCA. This should include all lost-time injuries and fatalities, but you should also consider high-potential near misses, repeat minor incidents, and events that result in significant equipment damage. Document and communicate these triggers so everyone understands the standard. -
Train Your Investigators (Month 2)
Identify a core group of individuals from safety, operations, and maintenance to serve as lead investigators. Provide them with formal training on RCA methodologies, facilitation skills, and evidence collection. For supervisors and frontline employees, offer a shorter awareness training so they understand the process and their role in it. -
Run Pilot Investigations (Month 3)
Don’t wait for a major incident. Select a few recent near misses or minor incidents and run pilot RCAs with your newly trained teams. This provides a low-stakes environment to practice the methodology, test your documentation, and identify gaps in your process before a crisis hits. -
Implement Standardized Templates (Month 4)
Create simple, standardized digital templates for 5 Whys and Fishbone analyses. A consistent format ensures all necessary information is captured, from the initial problem statement to the final verification of corrective actions. This also makes it easier to analyze trends across multiple investigations over time. -
Track Your KPIs (Month 5)
Establish key performance indicators to measure the health of your RCA program. Track metrics like the percentage of RCAs completed on time, the average time to close corrective actions, and, most importantly, the incident recidivism rate. You want to see a decline in repeat events tied to the same root causes. -
Communicate Results (Month 6 and Ongoing)
Share the lessons learned from your investigations with both leadership and the entire workforce. For leadership, focus on the data and the reduction in risk. For the workforce, focus on the changes being made to make their work environment safer. This transparency builds trust and reinforces that their participation in the process leads to real improvements.
Moving from a reactive to a proactive safety culture is a journey, not a destination. By embedding systematic Root Cause Analysis into your operations, you do more than just solve problems. You build a resilient organization that learns from its mistakes, empowers its employees, and actively works to prevent harm. Start today. Treat every incident not as a failure to be punished, but as an opportunity to learn and become stronger. Your commitment to digging deeper is a direct investment in the well-being of every person on your team.
References
- Root Cause Analysis – VHA National Center for Patient Safety — We use a multi-disciplinary team approach, known as Root Cause Analysis – RCA – to study health care-related adverse events and close calls.
- 2024 Health & Safety Stats: Leveraging Data for Safer Workplaces — This report features key information points that can aid organizations in understanding trends around workplace health and safety.
- Incident Root Cause Analysis: A Complete Guide (2024) – Field1st — Learn what incident root cause analysis is, why it matters, key steps, top methods, and how to identify and eliminate the root causes of …
- Improve safety using root cause analysis and strengthening … — The top hazards range from exposure to electricity & natural gas, working at heights, in confined spaces, and during extreme weather events.
- Death on the Job: The Toll of Neglect, 2024 – AFL-CIO — The 2024 report on the state of safety and health protections for America’s workers.
- Incidence and root cause analysis of near‐miss events in medical … — This study aimed to investigate the incidence of near‐miss events related to medical device use errors (MUEs) in intensive care units (ICUs) …
- Commonly Used Statistics | Occupational Safety and Health … – OSHA — Worker injuries and illnesses are down—from 10.9 incidents per 100 workers in 1972 to 2.7 per 100 in 2022.
- Current Trends in Occupational Health and Safety in 2024 — Learn about the current trends in occupational health and safety so you can foster a hazard-free, productive work environment for your team in 2024.



