Incident Cause Analysis Method - The Innovative Approach

How can we improve our delivery of Incident Cause Analysis Method training? By being innovative and dynamic in our approach.

For many years the method of training people in the area of Incident Management and, in particular, Incident Investigation has been group training sessions. Many training providers in this space have developed dynamic slide presentations and support materials to aid in knowledge transfer. Specialist providers in this area often create staged incident scenes and role plays to break down process steps and practice required actions.

Often cost-effectiveness is the driver for group training sessions as this allows groups from different areas or businesses to attend and participate. However, knowledge transfer is not the same as knowledge retention and is the compromise when participating in group training. Presenters in this field are inevitably linked to a well-worn pathway of research and subject matter exposure, but, in some instances, repetitive exposure to training material and frequent presentations is the qualification.

The innovative approach on the other hand, is dynamic, with continually evolving subject matter and training methods. Typically this is developed by professionals who work in the field and apply the training components from real-life situations, as is the case with ICAM Australia.

Having started my training experiences in the military, I was exposed to the technique of practice, practice, practice; repetition is intended to ensure the skill outcome occurs as an instinct when called upon, as there was often no room for error. This method stood the test of time, allowing all types of learning capabilities to be catered for. However, this also requires good instruction, techniques and quality materials, as not everyone is comfortable or capable of talking in a group. Equally, the method of instructing / teaching must consider the challenges of Language, Literacy and Numeracy and the ability to coach at differing levels within a group.

My experience over the 40-plus years from the initial learnings with the military has taken me through Institutions, Universities, Professional groups and International speaking and presentation opportunities (many with the use of interpreters). Now I believe I have studied, had practical experience or completed training presentations in; most Occupational Health Safety areas, and had some exposure to most professions. I have facilitated over 500 Investigation Training sessions in over 16 countries and conducted over 50 investigations.

In each experience, it is quite a challenge to have one person learn the same as another and guide the group along the learning pathway. People often do not learn at the same pace or by the same method, but strategies to address this in group learning are often not considered.

With the subject of Incident Investigation, one person does not digest information while gathering data the same as another; there are many reasons for this. Quite often, the difference in learning capabilities in group training sessions is extensive, but time to allow for this difference is not factored into the training schedule or training plan.

In Incident Investigation training, some areas are high risk and rare or confronting to which the participant has had no previous exposure (experience) and little perception or understanding of the skill required to manage the situation. In some instances, the needed skill will not be developed sufficiently in a group, meaning it can not then be applied when practised correctly.

There are different levels when considering a company structure, from the new employee to the Senior Manager. We often find some have their go-to toolkit from previous workplaces where they have kept certain "pockets of excellence" that have worked for them previously with another employer.

A company procedure must be standardised, with everyone working from the same document and interpreting the document the same; it can not be a mosaic of interpretations or imported pockets of information that do not align with current procedures.

At ICAM Australia, we work with businesses globally, conducting investigations, coaching investigation teams, reviewing investigation reports and outcomes, and sometimes re-investigating. As the phrase goes, "we have skin in the game". We work on the construction site, the underground mine, the aircraft, the drill rig, the supermarket, the warehouse, the train stations and the hospital.

This article aims to briefly explain some outcomes of our review of work with clients from either coaching, presenting or live investigating over the last few years in Australia and internationally.

ICAM Australia has completed ICAM Investigation training with clients utilising our One-on-One and Small Group Coaching techniques. Returning to basics and offering a one-on-one coaching service allows for a personal interaction that suits the individual. We have recently completed sessions with companies where we have coached the management team one-on-one, not as a group. It has become apparent that Managers, no matter what level in the business, benefit from the opportunity of coaching and applied applications. Discussions have shown there is often a wide variance in interpretation, process steps and how this influences preventative outcomes. This may be a few hours on-site with a person or coaching during an investigation or a few days coaching a person or a small team in an operational environment.

The last few years have seen an increase in online training, which has filled a need where the movement of people has been restricted. This appears to have led to a growth in the development of tick box training, training where a person observes a screen for a period and then is signed off as completed / attended with little or no practical application or confirmation that any work produced is, in fact, the work of the attendee.

ICAM Australia has recognised this issue and worked to develop better options, utilising the above One on One and Small Group Coaching packages applying interactive components. This approach has achieved good results because it is flexible to individual needs. This approach is typically conducted on-site but can be applied online with sufficient preparation and planning.

What does that look like? ICAM Australia reviews the company's process for incident management, mapping the ICAM process to the site processes, coaching each step, removing grey areas, ensuring a clear understanding of the overall process, and improving confidence in Investigation Quality and communication of outcomes.

Participating clients are also finding significant benefits from our add-on Relationship Service, where a person can connect with one of our team anytime with a question. We offer ongoing support once a person has participated in one of our services. We set the pathway for you to succeed, not just attend training.

Find out more by visiting www.icamaustralia.com.au

Author: Steve Horne, Senior Incident Investigator, ICAM Australia