Supervisory
Root cause analysis (RCA)
Definition
Root cause analysis is a method for finding the underlying reason a problem happened, so that corrective action fixes the cause rather than only the symptom.
Which root cause analysis methods do supervisors use?
- The five whys: ask why repeatedly until you reach a cause you can act on.
- The fishbone diagram: group possible causes under people, method, machine, material and environment.
- A timeline of events, used in accident investigation.
What happens after the root cause is found?
Agree a corrective action with an owner and date, then check that the problem does not return. Lasting fixes often mean updating a standard operating procedure. The Workplace Problem Solving and Corrective Action for Supervisors course teaches the method.
Where can you go next?
Courses, checks and reading on the same work.- CourseWorkplace Problem Solving & Corrective Action for Supervisors
- CourseWorkplace Accident Investigation, Reporting & Corrective Action
- CertificationCertified Supervisor (CSV)
- Free online assessmentHow ready are you to lead a team? Free supervisor readiness check
- Glossary termStandard operating procedure (SOP)
- Glossary termHIRARC
- Glossary termDelegation
Which sources does this page use?
This page states no statutory figures, so it cites no official source.
Updated 20 October 2026. General information from the Certifyd team, not legal, tax or safety advice for your workplace.