Page 50 - Root Cause Failure Analysis

Root Cause Failure Analysis Methodology 41

Lack of enforcement is one reason procedures are not followed consistently. The real
cause for this may be many factors. Training or inadequate employee skills commonly
contribute to problems that affect plant performance and equipment reliability. The
three major contributors to training-related problems include no training, inadequate
training, and failure to learn.

The reasons underlying inadequate skills vary depending on the plant culture, work-
force, and a variety of other issues. Figure 3-10 provides the common reasons for
poor skill levels that are caused by training issues. In addition to the subcategories
included in the figure, review the sections on Poor Operating Practices and Proce-
dures and Supervision for problems where inadequate skill levels are potential con-
tributors.

No Training
Many plants lack a formal training program that provides the minimal employee skills
required to perform the procurement, operating, and maintenance tasks required to
maintain an acceptable level of plant performance. In other cases, plant training pro-
grams are limited to mandated courses (e.g., OSHA, EPA, or other regulatory courses)
that have little to do with the practical skills required to meet job requirements.

Inadequate Training
There are a variety of reasons why training programs fail to achieve a minimal
employee skill level. Most are related to the procedures and methods used to develop
and present the training courses. Some type of testing of the improvement in the skill
level after the training is complete is the best way to determine the effectiveness of
training programs.

c

Not Learned

retention lacking
I ,-
Po
too technical
dld not attend
COUrSe

Figure 3-10 Common causes of training-related problems.