Latent Cause Analysis™
Comments from
The Latent Cause Experience™
What is Latent Cause Analysis?
Latent Cause Analysis (LCA) is an excellent tool for organizations that want to improve human and organizational performance. LCA helps transform the organization’s mindset by changing the way people view failure and its causes. It's a process that encourages people to focus on understanding the root causes of problems instead of simply blaming someone for them. This approach utilizes learning groups to improve communication and transforms the way people think about failures, problems, and incidents, both in the workplace and at home.
“This has been one of the most significant weeks in my life….”
“This is the most worth-while seminar I’ve had in my 23 years here….”
“Everyone in our company should experience this course….”
"I liked highlighting how ignoring small failures leads to major failures. The points about latency and culture were right on target."
"I liked the energy and passion that was expressed. The discussion was awesome, great dialogue."
"I liked the challenging thoughts. You could call this a leadership course."
"I liked this process because it focused on fixing a failure, NOT blaming the cause of that failure."
"I liked this class. It was way different that I thought it was going to be. It opens your eyes to look at things differently."
The Origin of Latent Cause Analysis™
Failsafe Network's Latent Cause Analysis™ methods were born in the chemical industry, starting in the mid 1970's. Initially, our methods focused on understanding the physics of our problems. Over time, however, it became apparent that people are ultimately responsible for the things they create, whether it is equipment, process, or system related. While our process continues to address the "physics" of our problems, we've introduced the Latent Cause Analysis™ approach to go beyond the physics and require people to see themselves as part of their problems.
What Are Latent Causes?
It is imperative that we understand the concept of latency. Without a clear grasp of the impact that latency has on our organizations, we cannot hope to make meaningful improvements. Latency is the launchpad to transforming our culture.
Latent Causes are often overlooked, veiled, or hidden, yet they are powerful influences that affect people's tendencies and decisions that contribute to an incident. ALL people will be influenced, which is why a change in people has little impact on a change in incidents. An organization must address latent causes to effect lasting change.
Using LCA, one is able to identify the critical causes of an incident and understand how to address them to prevent recurring problems. The bottom-line results are fewer problems and changed people, thus an improved work culture.
Ban Blame Short
"This method [Latent Cause Analysis] addresses it all, but in the most effective way I’ve ever seen. It addresses the Physical Causes of our problems, as well as the Human and Latent Causes. I never knew anything like this existed. It’s the missing link.”
- HSE Manager
