Beyond 5-Whys: Practical Multi-Path Cause & Effect Analysis for Safety Professionals

Safety pros are often asked to investigate complex events using simple, linear tools such as “5 Whys.” This session, designed for anyone new to structured analysis, will show you how to think and work in a multi-dimensional “cause and effect” framework that better reflects how incidents occur. You’ll learn about branching causal logic; parallel causal paths; and the distinction between actions, conditions and context. We’ll use practical examples and live demonstrations to build a clear causal story that explains why an event occurred and what must change to prevent recurrence. We’ll also discuss approaches to analyzing human error, validating evidence and aligning corrective actions to verified causes. You’ll leave with the confidence and skill to construct and interpret charts that lead to deeper understanding and more effective safety decisions.