Taproot: The System for Root Cause Analysis, Problem Investigation & Proactive Improvement

When I was beginning my first job performing incident investigations, my father gave me his copy of this book. I found it extremely useful. Root Cause Analysis doesn't look for a person to blame or the immediate cause, it looks for the factor that will prevent the accident from recurring if corrected. Even if you never use TapRooT, this book is useful, and available for a reasonable price in the used market. I have bought all of my co-workers a copy. While it is not the latest edition, I actually prefer this version, as it is more generally applicable to various workplaces. The new edition is focused very heavily on the TapRooT program even over general concepts of root cause analysis, and feels like it was rewritten by a stereotypical MBA. This book is more based on the safety culture of the American nuclear industry.

If you are serious about improving performance and finding root causes then this is a book to read. Great information with lot's of detail on how to investigate accidents and to use the same tools proactively to see problems and fix them before an accident can happen. I've read lots of books on problem solving and this provides a structured, systematic process that includes extremely useful tools. More than I've seen anywhere else. There is a chapter that lays out detailed steps for investigating an accident or incident. Another chapter lays out how to use the tools proactively to improvement performance. There is a chapter about trending accidents that provides techniques for trending infrequently occurring accidents that I've never seen anywhere else (very advanced trending stuff). Finally, there are 6 chapters that explain the six techniques that are used in the process of root cause analysis an appendix with forms for interviewing and setting up an investigation policy. There is a lot of information but it is presented in a readable format.

Offers true and tested fall protection. Though this "upgraded" model is a bit slippery compared to some previous Speck cases I have had.

Many and most authors of technical methods provide updates to their material as new research is performed and additional experience is gained. This author apparently has choosen to rest on his initial work in the root cause field, making the assumption that no new material is necessary or relavent for the readers. Having originally published the root cause book over six years ago one would imagine that new material is available for inclusion in a revision.

The book has become outdated with its references and data. Additionally, if you are considering purchasing the software, don't it is cumbersome and difficult to use.

The book is full of scribbled pages by a child, which was not mentioned. Although the book is still legible. had this been highlighted then I would have thought twice about the purchase.