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 Employee Relations, Problem Solving & Document Control for Supervisors course teaches the method.
Where can you go next?
Courses, checks and reading on the same work.- CourseEmployee Relations, Problem Solving & Document Control for Supervisors
- CertificationCertifyd Supervisor (CSV)
- CertificationCertifyd Workplace Safety & Health Administrator (CWSHA)
- 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 13 November 2026. General information from the Certifyd team, not legal, tax or safety advice for your workplace.