Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) Practice Exam

Which are the three methods used to identify causal factors?

1. Interviews, surveys, and observations

2. Cause and effect trees, timelines, and causal factor charting

3. Focus groups, risk assessments, and audits

4. Sampling, experimentation, and documentation

The correct answer is: Cause and effect trees, timelines, and causal factor charting

The three methods used to identify causal factors are cause and effect trees, timelines, and causal factor charting. Each of these tools aids in systematically analyzing and identifying the underlying reasons behind an event or issue. Cause and effect trees help visualize the relationship between various factors leading up to a specific outcome, breaking down complex situations into more manageable components. This method allows practitioners to trace back from a problem to its potential causes, making it easier to understand how different elements interact. Timelines create a chronological account of events related to an incident. By laying out when specific events occurred, it becomes simpler to identify patterns and connections that may point to causal factors. This sequential analysis helps in determining which events might have led to the issue in question. Causal factor charting is another structured method used to map out the various contributing factors surrounding an event. This form of charting integrates information from different data sources to display relationships between causes and effects, providing a comprehensive overview that can aid in root cause analysis. While the other methods listed may be valuable for gathering information or conducting assessments, they do not specifically focus on identifying causal factors in the same systematic way as cause and effect trees, timelines, and causal factor charting.