Course Overview
Operational failures are inevitable, but recurring failures can be prevented through effective Root Cause Analysis (RCA). This intensive 3-day workshop equips engineers, supervisors, and managers with the practical knowledge and skills to conduct systematic RCA investigations that improve reliability, safety, and operational performance.
Participants will learn internationally recognized RCA methodologies—including Failsafe®, TapRooT®, and other industry best practices—through a methodology-neutral approach focused on universal investigation principles. A comprehensive case study and simulation will guide participants through the complete RCA process, from incident investigation and evidence collection to Why-Tree analysis, root cause identification, corrective action development, and professional reporting.
The course is delivered by an experienced Principal Investigator with extensive investigation experience across ConocoPhillips operations in Australia, Indonesia, and Singapore.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Understand RCA principles and their role in improving reliability and operational performance.
- Select the appropriate RCA approach based on incident complexity.
- Conduct structured investigations using physical, documentary, and human evidence.
- Build Why-Trees and identify technical, human, and latent root causes.
- Develop effective corrective and preventive actions.
- Prepare professional RCA reports and communicate investigation findings.
Course Outline
Day 1 – RCA Fundamentals
- RCA principles and methodologies
- Investigation process and team roles
- Types of evidence and causation
- Common investigation pitfalls
- Industrial case studies
- Simulation: Incident briefing & investigation planning
Day 2 – Investigation & Analysis
- Problem definition and investigation planning
- Physical, documentary, and people evidence
- Interview techniques
- Sequence of Events development
- Why-Tree construction and root cause analysis
Day 3 – Corrective Actions & Reporting
- Identifying causal factors
- Developing corrective and preventive actions
- Professional RCA report writing
- Presentation of investigation findings
Who Should Attend
Designed for professionals responsible for reliability, maintenance, operations, safety, and incident investigations, including:
- Mechanical, Process, Electrical, Instrumentation & Reliability Engineers
- Operations and Maintenance Supervisors & Managers
- HSE and Risk Management Professionals
- Asset Integrity and Continuous Improvement Engineers
- RCA Team Leaders and Principal Investigators
Suitable for Oil & Gas, Petrochemical, Power Generation, Mining, Manufacturing, Utilities, and other process industries.