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Root cause analysis is the structured process of identifying the fundamental reasons an incident or near miss occurred. Techniques such as the Five Whys or fish
Definition
Root cause analysis is the structured process of identifying the fundamental reasons an incident or near miss occurred. Techniques such as the Five Whys or fishbone diagrams help teams move beyond blame and focus on system gaps. OSHA references root cause analysis in several enforcement memoranda because it drives meaningful corrective actions. Documenting the findings and linking them to program updates keeps auditors confident that problems will not recur, and it arms leaders with a prioritized action list.
Risk Snapshot
recordkeeping-and-reporting
Teams that cannot explain Root Cause Analysis consistently struggle to connect audit findings to leading indicators. Coach supervisors on the vocabulary so TRIR, DART, and other glossary items mean the same thing in every meeting.
lockout-tagout
When definitions shift from handbook to handbook, investigations stall and retraining lags. Align glossary terms across SOPs, LMS modules, and SDS binders to keep regulators confident you have a single source of truth.
29 CFR 1910
Vocab gaps show up when EHS, HR, and operations log the same event differently. Map glossary terms to the metrics in your dashboards so corrective actions, JHAs, and training share context.
Compliance must-haves
29 CFR 1910
Cross-reference this term anywhere you cite the recordkeeping-and-reporting program so auditors see consistent definitions.
29 CFR 1910
Cross-reference this term anywhere you cite the lockout-tagout program so auditors see consistent definitions.
29 CFR 1910
Keep the definition in onboarding packets, toolbox talks, and audit binders to align teams.
29 CFR 1910
Keep the definition in onboarding packets, toolbox talks, and audit binders to align teams.
FAQs
Cal/OSHA still expects the full federal set: a Hazard Communication plan (29 CFR 1910.1200), an Emergency Action Plan (29 CFR 1910.38), PPE assessments (29 CFR 1910.132), and accurate recordkeeping (29 CFR 1904). Title 8 also requires an Injury and Illness Prevention Program, so we fold that into the same binder with SDS, JHA/JSA references, and robbery or wildfire procedures. Inspectors mainly ask managers to demonstrate worker training and how updates flow to Spanish-speaking teams, so keep sign-in sheets with the plan.
Under 29 CFR 1910.147 and 1910.333, energy isolation must be device-specific, documented, and auditable. A compliant panel lockout shows the procedure number, the person who applied it, verification of zero energy, and the timestamp of shift turnover. Auditors also check that the lock corresponds to a written LOTO procedure referencing TRIR-driven corrective actions and JHA/JSA updates. Photograph the lock, breaker position, and test instruments, then store them with the permit package. If temporary energized work is required, pair NFPA 70E permits with LOTO exception documentation and retraining rosters so supervisors can prove control.
Start with 29 CFR 1904.4 requirements: every recordable injury gets logged on your OSHA 300 with case classification. Calculate TRIR and DART monthly using the formulas from OSHA’s recordkeeping handbook, then tie the data to your corrective action tracker. We recommend exporting from HRIS or claims systems, tagging each case with the impacted program (HazCom, LOTO, PPE, etc.), and publishing the numbers inside your safety committee minutes so leadership owns the trends. Include DART root causes, retraining dates, and closure proof so you can show an auditor exactly how metrics improve over time.
Federal OSHA requires 300 logs, training rosters, and SDS access, but Massachusetts licensing boards also expect documentation of refrigerant recovery, electrical permits, and apprentice ratios. Keep OSHA 10/30 cards, lockout-tagout procedures, and JHA files for rooftop work. Add copies of your EAP, fall protection inspections, and customer-specific permits so every crew shows the same binder. Include inspection photos so licensing boards see consistent execution. When scheduling job inspections, store all paperwork in one digital binder so field supervisors can pull it up during surprise visits.
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