217: Personal Problem*

Node Personal Problem*

*This node is for descriptive purposes only. Code only to Personnel Performance; Individual Issue (#213).

Definition/Typical Issues

Was the individual involved in the incident experiencing a significant personal problem that may have temporarily affected his or her ability to perform the task? Examples include:

  • Close relative just died
  • Spouse undergoing cancer treatment
  • Going through divorce proceedings
  • Parent moving into nursing home

Note 1: The Personnel Performance Issue; Individual Issue (#213) node should only be used when the problem is isolated to one individual. If other personnel have difficulty performing the same task under similar circumstances, then other portions of the Root Cause Map™ should be used to code the issue.

Note 2: There should be management systems in place to detect and correct most (if not all) individual performance issues BEFORE an incident occurs. Therefore, the failure or absence of the management systems should be coded as well.

Note 3: Consider coding under the Personnel Hiring Issue (#209) node because there should be management controls to ensure that employees possess the required job capabilities prior to being hired. Also consider coding under the Supervision During Work Issue (#192) or Detection of Individual Performance Issue (#212) nodes because supervision should detect this problem.

Note 4: Code as Personnel Performance Issue; Individual Issue (#213) only. The 10 nodes beneath Individual Issue (#213) are included to provide the investigator with an understanding of the types of problems that might be categorized as Personnel Performance Issue; Individual Issue (#213). However, the investigator should NOT include these cause nodes in the investigation report.

Examples

Example 1

  • An operator's wife was recently in a car accident. She was in the intensive care unit in critical condition. He spent most evenings at the hospital visiting her and had been very fatigued at work. Some of his log entries were found to be incorrect.

Example 2

  • A technician incorrectly calibrated a level sensor. The previous night he had attended funerals for both his mother and father. They had been shot and killed during a robbery at a grocery store.

Typical Recommendations

  • Establish an employee assistance program and encourage workers to take advantage of it.

Cross-References

Version 10 Element(s)
Node ID Node Name
215 Personal/Medication Problems
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