Dig Up The Root Causes
You are conducting a walk-around safety inspection when you notice the guardrail along an elevated platform area is missing.
Applying the Hierarchy of Controls (HOC), you now understand, the missing guardrail is a hazardous condition and the potential surface cause of an accident. But you must also realize that the guardrail is a symptom that points to deeper root causes or system weaknesses.
To best make sure hazardous conditions and unsafe work practices are corrected, you must always consider and correct the root causes/system weaknesses that contributed to them in the first place. So, what were the system weaknesses in this example? Here are some questions you might ask to dig up the root causes for the missing guardrail:
- Are corrective and preventive maintenance programs in place?
- Are employees reporting hazards?
- Does safety training cover the guardrail requirements?
- Is an incentive program in place to motivate employees to report hazards?
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
5-10. A hazard is actually _____ of deeper root causes or system weaknesses.
You forgot to answer the question!