Assignment
The 5 Whys process can unearth more symptoms that are masquerading as causes. Please review the "How to Conduct a 5-Why - Titanic Example" in the required videos section for more details.
Here is a workplace safety incident taken through the 5 Whys process:
1) Symptom: An employee is lying on the ground next to a ladder. Their leg is positioned awkwardly and they are writhing in agony.
2) Problem: An employee fell off a ladder while working at a construction site.
3) 5 Whys:
Why did the employee fall off the ladder?
...Because they lost their balance and grip on the ladder.
Why did the employee lose their balance and grip on the ladder?
...Because the ladder was not stable and it moved while the employee was on it.
Why was the ladder not stable and moved?
...Because it was placed on an uneven surface.
Why was the ladder placed on an uneven surface?
...Because the site was not properly prepared or inspected for safety hazards.
Why was the site not properly prepared or inspected for safety hazards?
...Because there was no standard procedure or checklist for safety inspections and preparations.
By asking "why" five times, we have uncovered the root cause of the problem, which is a lack of standard procedures for safety inspections and preparations at the construction site. With this information, the construction company can develop a plan to address this issue, such as creating a safety checklist for each work site and ensuring that all employees are properly trained to follow safety procedures to prevent accidents and injuries.
Task
Now, we need you to apply this to the Berwicq incident.
A. Create a new word processing document.
B. Read the Berwicq Group Project Background story (in the Berwicq Group Project section).
C. What symptoms can you find? List those in your word processing document under a section titled "Symptoms".
D. Based on the symptoms, what problems do you see? List those in your word processing document under a section titled "Problems".
E. For each problem you have identified, undergo the 5 Whys process. List those in your word processing document under a section titled "5 Whys". Include the detailed listing of each of the 5 Whys.
F. What is the root cause for each problem you identified? List those in your word processing document under a section titled "Root Causes".