Incident root cause analysis template

When using this template, apply the “5 Whys” technique in the “Why did it happen?” section. Ask “why” repeatedly for each answer until you reach a cause that doesn’t prompt another “why.” Look for systemic issues rather than blaming individuals. The most effective root causes identify specific process breakdowns or system failures that can be corrected through tangible actions.

Ensure each corrective action is specific, measurable, and directly linked to an identified cause. Assign clear responsibility and completion dates as indicated in the template. After implementation, verify effectiveness by monitoring relevant metrics and conducting follow-up reviews to confirm the incident hasn’t recurred under similar circumstances.

Include a diverse team with different perspectives: someone familiar with the process where the incident occurred, a subject matter expert, the supervisor responsible for the area, a safety representative, and workers directly involved (if appropriate). This diversity helps overcome individual biases and ensures you capture technical, operational, and human factors that contributed to the incident.