The ROOTS™ method

ROOTS is the five-step method behind every RapidRCA report. It turns an investigation into a clear path: understand the problem, find the cause, fix it, and make sure it stays fixed.

R · Recognise the problem

State what happened, where, when and what it cost in downtime, money or safety. A clear problem statement keeps the investigation focused.

O · Observe the facts

Collect evidence: photos, records, readings, notes and what people saw. Separate facts from assumptions, and note what still needs checking.

O · Obtain the root cause

Use 5 Whys, a fishbone diagram, or both, until you reach a cause the organisation can control. Go past "human error" to the procedure, design or system behind it.

T · Tackle the root cause

Agree specific actions. Each has an owner and a due date, and at least one should prevent the problem rather than just repair it.

S · Sustain the fix

Update the procedure or maintenance plan, track actions to closure, and check later that the problem has not come back.

In RapidRCA

The same five steps are the headings of the report, so everyone reads and writes investigations the same way.

ROOTS™ is a method name used by RapidRCA.