How to thoroughly investigate human error related deviations
Course description
PROBE the HE is a behavioral investigation process to uncover the true root cause of human error deviations — bRCA. Designed for regulated industries where human performance matters — pharma, med devices, food, warehousing, transport, government, and health.
This session teaches quality, risk, and compliance professionals how to uncover the true root cause behind Human Error related Deviations (HErDs) by using a structured behavioral investigation process. Participants learn how to move beyond symptoms, assumptions, and surface-level explanations — and instead reveal the behavioral driver behind the m!stake.
THE INVESTIGATION PROCESS
The PROBE THE HErD™ investigation process transforms a deviation into a clear behavioral root cause by combining four integrated tools:
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The 3BMethod™ to identify the behavioral direction
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The 3BM Prediction Tree™ to identify the behavioral category
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The C2C Overview to identify the correct classification within that category
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The bRCA Form to document the deviation in its entirety — including construct, category, classification(s), evidence, and human touchpoints
Together, these tools guide investigators from what happened to why it happened, ensuring human error deviations are classified accurately and supported by evidence.
More Info
This package includes
A pre-engagement call
Up to 3 follow up calls before the event
Keynote Features
45-100 minute live session (incl Q&A)
An unlimited number of seats
Workshop Features
1-2 day on-site session
Possibility of customization (focus on your problem)
up to 60 seats
A group call for 1 hour of complimentary follow questions (within 7 days after workshop)
A copy of all workshop slides and content
Hover over each step in the process to understand more.
PROBE THE INVESTIGATION PROCESS
GATHER MATERIAL NEEDED
Procedures, Training, Records Physical Evidence
Define the deviation in one clear sentence so everyone begins with the same understanding.
1. PROBLEM STATEMENT
One-line description of the deviation
2. DEVIATION
SUMMARY
Factual bullet points
Capture factual bullet points describing what happened — without interpretation or assumptions
3. RECONSTRUCT THE TIMELINE
Micro-Sequence of Actions
Decisions points
Cognitive Load Moments
Interpretation + Perception
Environmental Conditions
Handovers
Rebuild the deviation from the employee’s point of view using the six Cognitive Flashpoints.
5. RUN 3BM PREDICTION TREE
Informational Construct
Motivational Construct
Situational Construct
Evaluate each hotspot to determine the correct construct and behavioral category.
4. ISOLATE THE COGNITIVE HOTSPOTS
Quoted Hotspots
Non-quoted Hotspots
Identify the moments where human factor signals were active beneath the surface.
6. CLASSIFICATION (C2C Overview)
Select from Category > Classification Map
Select the classification(s) that best match the evidence within the identified category.
7. EVIDENCE ALIGNMENT
Evidence supporting classification
Confirm that each chosen classification is supported by clear, documented evidence.
8. FINAL
OUTPUT PAGE
Evidence alignment
Construct
Category
Classification
Summarize the construct, category, classification(s), and human touchpoints that led to the m!stake.
Learning Objective
By the end of this session, participants will:
Reconstruct and analyze a deviation through a behavioral lens — moving beyond symptoms and surface-level explanations to uncover the human factor signals driving the m!stake.
Identify the behavioral direction and category of a Human Error related Deviation (HErD) using the 3BMethod™ and 3BM Prediction Tree™ to understand how and why the behavior formed.
Confidently categorize, classify, and document human error deviations using the C2C Overview and bRCA Form — ensuring accurate root cause determination and evidence-aligned corrective actions.