The correct answer is C (Determine root causes and avoid recurrence) because CCPS defines the primary purpose of incident investigation as learning from events to prevent similar incidents in the future .
Incident investigations are not primarily about assigning blame or addressing immediate symptoms; instead, they focus on identifying underlying and systemic root causes , such as deficiencies in procedures, training, design, or management systems. By understanding why an incident occurred, organizations can implement corrective and preventive actions that reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
Option A and D may be outcomes of an investigation if specific deficiencies are identified, but they are not the main objective. Option B reflects a broader organizational goal, but it is achieved indirectly through effective investigations and corrective actions.
CCPS emphasizes that effective incident investigations should be thorough, objective, and focused on learning , often using structured methods such as root cause analysis. The findings should be communicated and tracked to completion to ensure improvements are implemented.
Ultimately, the goal is to break the chain of events leading to incidents , thereby enhancing process safety performance and preventing future harm.
