ABSTRACT
The lack of, or inadequate, management control, caused by a failure to identify, assess, and control risks, creates basic causes of undesired events. These basic causes are a vital link in the chain reaction that results in an undesired event with loss. In safety, very seldom is the real problem in the form of basic causes identified and treated. Most safety systems are reactive, as they treat the symptoms and not the causes of accidental loss. In endeavoring to uncover the basic causes of any loss causation situation, the immediate causes should first be identified via a thorough investigatory process. Conducting risk assessments and setting up controls to eliminate basic causes is the best method of loss prevention. In attempting to derive basic causes, the investigator may open a can of worms because traditionally, people were blamed for committing unsafe acts.
