Download All Templates
Get all 10 templates in one ZIP file (Word, Excel, PDF formats)
Templates Included
- 5 Whys Analysis Template
- Fishbone (Ishikawa) Diagram
- ICAM Investigation Template
- Fault Tree Analysis Template
- 8D Problem Solving Template
- Pareto Analysis Chart
- FMEA Template
- Incident Report Form
- Corrective Action Tracker
- Investigation Checklist
Root cause analysis is only as good as the structure you bring to it. Without a framework, investigators often jump to conclusions, miss contributing factors, or identify symptoms instead of causes.
These templates provide that structure. Each one is designed for different scenarios and complexity levels. Use them as starting points and customize for your organisation.
5 Whys Analysis Template
Best for: Simple problems with a single cause chain. Quick investigations. Training new investigators.
The 5 Whys technique is deceptively simple: keep asking "why" until you reach the causes. In practice, most problems need 3-7 iterations. Our template includes space for multiple branches when you hit forks in the causal chain.
Example 5 Whys Analysis
Problem: Worker received hand injury
Why 1: Hand contacted rotating equipment
Why 2: Guard was removed
Why 3: Guard interfered with cleaning task
Why 4: Cleaning procedure didn't account for guard
Why 5: Procedure not updated when equipment changed
Root Cause: No management of change process for equipment modifications
Template Features:
- Linear and branching formats
- Evidence documentation for each "why"
- Cause classification field
- Corrective action recommendations
- Available in Word, Excel, and PDF
Fishbone (Ishikawa) Diagram
Best for: Complex problems with multiple contributing factors. Team brainstorming sessions. Manufacturing and process issues.
The fishbone diagram organizes potential causes into categories. The classic 6M categories are: Man (People), Machine (Equipment), Method (Process), Material, Measurement, and Mother Nature (Environment). Our template lets you customize categories for your industry.
Template Features:
- Pre-built 6M structure
- Customizable category labels
- Sub-cause branches
- PowerPoint version for presentations
- Fillable PDF for quick use
ICAM Investigation Template
Best for: Serious incidents. Regulatory requirements. Organisations committed to systemic improvement.
ICAM (Incident Cause Analysis Method) is the gold standard for high-risk industries. It explicitly focuses on organisational factors, not individual blame. This comprehensive template guides you through all ICAM elements including the PEEPO framework.
ICAM Template Sections:
- Incident Summary: What happened, when, where, who was involved
- Timeline: Sequence of events leading to the incident
- Absent/Failed Defences: Barriers that should have prevented it
- Individual/Team Actions: Immediate actions (not blame)
- Task/Environmental Conditions: Workplace factors
- Organisational Factors (PEEPO): Systemic issues
- Recommendations: Corrective and preventive actions
Pro Tip
The ICAM template is most effective when paired with proper ICAM training. Consider booking a demo to see how InvestigatePro's AI coaching guides teams through ICAM investigations step-by-step.
Fault Tree Analysis Template
Best for: System failures. Safety-critical industries. Quantitative risk analysis.
Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) works backwards from the undesired event (the "top event") to identify all possible causes using Boolean logic (AND/OR gates). It's particularly useful for understanding how multiple failures must combine to cause an incident.
Template Features:
- AND/OR gate symbols
- Basic event shapes
- Probability calculation fields
- Visio and PowerPoint versions
- Minimal cut set identification
8D Problem Solving Template
Best for: Quality issues. Customer complaints. Team-based problem solving. Manufacturing defects.
The 8D (Eight Disciplines) methodology was developed by Ford Motor Company. It's a structured approach that emphasizes team problem-solving and preventing recurrence. Our template walks you through all 8 disciplines with prompts and examples.
The 8 Disciplines:
- D1: Establish the Team
- D2: Describe the Problem
- D3: Interim Containment Actions
- D4: Root Cause Analysis
- D5: Permanent Corrective Actions
- D6: Implement & Validate
- D7: Prevent Recurrence
- D8: Recognize the Team
Pareto Analysis Chart
Best for: Prioritizing causes. Identifying the "vital few" factors. Data-driven investigations.
The Pareto principle (80/20 rule) states that roughly 80% of effects come from 20% of causes. This Excel template automatically generates Pareto charts from your data, helping you focus on the factors that matter most.
FMEA Template
Best for: Proactive risk assessment. Design reviews. Process improvements.
Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is primarily a proactive tool, but it's invaluable after an incident to systematically identify other potential failure modes. Our template calculates Risk Priority Numbers (RPN) automatically.
FMEA Columns:
- Process step / Component
- Potential failure mode
- Potential effects
- Severity (1-10)
- Potential causes
- Occurrence (1-10)
- Current controls
- Detection (1-10)
- RPN (auto-calculated)
- Recommended actions
Incident Report Form
Best for: Initial incident documentation. Regulatory reporting. Consistent data collection.
Before you can analyse underlying causes, you need accurate incident data. This incident report template captures all essential information: who, what, when, where, witnesses, immediate actions, and preliminary observations.
Corrective Action Tracker
Best for: Action follow-up. Accountability. Proving effectiveness of improvements.
Root cause analysis means nothing if corrective actions aren't implemented. This Excel tracker monitors action status, due dates, responsible parties, and verification of effectiveness.
Investigation Checklist
Best for: Ensuring completeness. Training new investigators. Standardizing your process.
Don't miss critical steps. This checklist covers the entire investigation lifecycle: scene preservation, evidence collection, interviews, analysis, documentation, and follow-up.
How to Choose the Right Template
| Scenario | Recommended Template |
|---|---|
| Quick, simple problem | 5 Whys |
| Team brainstorming session | Fishbone Diagram |
| Serious safety incident | ICAM Template |
| System/equipment failure | Fault Tree Analysis |
| Quality/customer issue | 8D Problem Solving |
| Prioritizing multiple causes | Pareto Analysis |
How to Choose the Right RCA Template
The most effective template is the one matched to your incident's complexity, your team's experience, and your regulatory requirements. Here's a practical decision guide:
Start with Severity
For minor incidents and near-misses, the 5 Whys template is usually sufficient. It's fast, easy to facilitate, and requires no specialist training. For significant incidents, LTIs, high-potential events, fatalities, you need a more structured approach like ICAM that explicitly surfaces organisational factors.
Consider Your Team's Experience
New investigation teams benefit from the Fishbone Diagram because the brainstorming structure ensures all cause categories are considered before analysis begins. Experienced teams who understand causal factor analysis will get more depth from ICAM's structured approach.
Know Your Regulatory Environment
Mining, oil & gas, and construction operations in Australia, Africa, and the Middle East increasingly require documented ICAM investigations for serious incidents. If your industry regulator expects ICAM output, use the ICAM template, don't try to reverse-engineer ICAM findings from a 5 Whys worksheet after the fact.
Don't Over-Engineer Minor Events
Running a full ICAM investigation on a minor first-aid incident wastes investigator time and trains people to resent the process. Reserve ICAM for incidents where organisational learning is genuinely valuable. For the majority of minor events, a well-executed 5 Whys with documented corrective actions is appropriate and effective.
Free Interactive RCA Templates (Use Right Now)
Rather than downloading static Word documents, InvestigatePro offers a set of interactive HTML templates you can fill in directly in your browser and print. No software installation required.
RCA Template Pack
4 templates in one: 5 Whys, Fishbone, ICAM-aligned, and full Investigation Report.
5 Whys Worksheet
Interactive worksheet with a worked mining example, blank template, and corrective action tracker.
ICAM Investigation Checklist
25-point ICAM checklist from scene preservation through corrective action close-out.
Incident Investigation Report
Full ICAM-aligned report template, incident details, PEEPO analysis, corrective actions, sign-off.
PEEPO Chart Builder
Interactive PEEPO analysis tool with guided prompts for each category and printable summary chart.
Each of these tools is email-gated, enter your work email to unlock. You'll also receive practical investigation tips and be notified when new templates are published. All templates are printable directly from your browser (Ctrl+P or ⌘+P).
Beyond Templates: When You Need More
Templates are great starting points, but they have limitations:
- They don't guide you through the analysis
- They can't ensure methodological rigor
- They don't connect investigations to trends
- They make collaboration difficult
- They create data silos (documents on shared drives)
For organisations serious about incident investigation, purpose-built software like InvestigatePro provides structured guidance, AI coaching, and analytics that templates simply can't offer.
Related Articles
ICAM vs SCAT: Which Method to Use?
Compare the two most popular investigation methodologies.
5 Root Cause Analysis Mistakes
Common pitfalls that undermine your investigations.
How to Use 5 Whys Analysis
Step-by-step guide with real examples from mining, construction, and manufacturing.
Interactive RCA Template Pack
Use the templates online, 5 Whys, Fishbone, ICAM, and full Investigation Report.