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On-Demand Webinar: Incident & Near Miss Investigation Methods – The Events and Causal Factors (ECF) Technique
A Joint Presentation by our US/UK Experts
11:00 (EST) Thursday, November 14, 2024
Effective incident investigation and near miss investigation is essential for understanding the factors that lead to safety events and preventing them from happening again. The Events and Causal Factors (ECF) technique is a structured approach that helps identify and analyze the events leading up to an incident or near miss, as well as the factors that contributed to it. The ECF method helps teams focus on what went wrong and why, not just on the immediate causes.
Once the causal factors are identified, the next step is to look deeper using tools like the ‘5-Why’ methodology to determine the root cause. It’s important to note that the root cause is almost always a failure in the management system, not a personal error. This distinction ensures that individuals are not blamed for mistakes and that responsibility for preventing reoccurrence lies with the organization and management.
In this webinar, we will cover:
- The process of using the Events and Causal Factors technique to break down incidents and near misses into a clear sequence of events
- How to identify causal factors and use tools like the 5-Why methodology to uncover the root causes
- Why root causes are often linked to management system failures and not individual mistakes
- The importance of focusing on corrective actions that can prevent future incidents and promote a culture of safety
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Technical Speaker – Douglas J. Gruter, Sr Process Safety Consultant
Douglas J. Gruter is a highly experienced chemical engineer with 28 years of expertise in plant operations, environmental health and safety (EHS), and process safety. His extensive knowledge and practical skills have made him a valuable asset in various industrial settings.
Throughout his career, Mr. Gruter has demonstrated proficiency in process operations, process control, and a wide range of EHS disciplines. His in-depth understanding of process safety encompasses several critical areas, including:
- Preliminary Risk Assessment (PRA)
- Basis of Safety Studies (BOSS)
- Dust Hazard Analysis (DHA)
- HAZOP and Operability Studies with Layer of Protection Analysis (HAZOP-LOPA)
- Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS)
- Pre-Startup Safety Reviews (PSSRs)
Mr. Gruter’s commitment to safety and operational excellence is evident in his meticulous approach to risk assessment and hazard analysis. His ability to develop and implement comprehensive safety strategies has significantly contributed to the enhancement of safety standards and the prevention of incidents in the workplace.
With nearly three decades of hands-on experience, Douglas J. Gruter continues to be a leading figure in the field of chemical engineering, ensuring that best practices in process safety and environmental health are upheld and advanced.
Technical Speaker – Dr Andrew Fowler, Director, Sigma-HSE
Dr Fowler received his BSc and PhD in Surface Chemistry from the University of Durham in 1984. He has sixteen years of experience as an HSE Process Safety Specialist Inspector covering field inspections, major hazards, and safety policy development. During his time at the HSE, Dr Fowler authored guidance publications and staff training manuals.
Following an accomplished career in the UK HSE, Dr Fowler gained a wealth of commercial consultancy experience. During this time, he completed multiple process safety management audits and published bespoke staff training programs.
