Certified Treecare Safety Professional (CTSP) Practice Exam

What are the three components identified in root cause analysis?

1. Immediate, underlying, and preventive causes

2. Direct, indirect, and root causes

3. Major, minor, and contributing factors

4. Primary, secondary, and tertiary causes

The correct answer is: Direct, indirect, and root causes

Root cause analysis is a systematic process aimed at identifying the fundamental reasons for an incident or problem, allowing for the development of effective solutions to prevent recurrence. The correct answer, which identifies the three components as direct, indirect, and root causes, emphasizes the layered nature of causation. Direct causes are the immediate factors that lead to an incident. They are often the most apparent and can be pinpointed quickly, such as a specific action that resulted in an accident. Indirect causes refer to underlying issues or conditions that may not be immediately evident but contribute to the occurrence of the direct cause. Understanding these can help identify systemic issues that may need to be addressed. Root causes are the fundamental issues that, if addressed, would eliminate the possibility of the incident reoccurring. They often relate to organizational processes, policy failures, or gaps in training. The clarity provided by these three categories allows professionals to dissect incidents comprehensively and develop strategies that ensure long-term safety improvements. This thorough approach is vital in tree care and other industries where safety is paramount, aiding in the prevention of similar incidents in the future.