Which of the following is an indication of root cause analysis?

Identifying chronic unreported incidents is a clear indication of root cause analysis because root cause analysis aims to delve deeper into issues to understand their underlying causes rather than just addressing symptoms or surface-level problems. When chronic unreported incidents are recognized, it signifies that there may be recurring issues that have not been adequately addressed, prompting a thorough investigation to uncover the reasons behind these incidents.

This approach is essential in enhancing safety and efficiency in the workplace, as it allows organizations to implement systemic changes that prevent reoccurrences. The focus on chronic issues contributes to creating a more robust understanding of operational weaknesses, leading to long-term improvements rather than temporary fixes.

In contrast, understanding a worker's feelings involves a more subjective analysis of personal experiences and perspectives that, while valuable, does not directly target the identification of systemic issues. Addressing immediate complaints focuses on short-term resolutions without investigating potential root causes. Documenting workplace trends can provide valuable insights but may or may not directly relate to the deeper investigations necessary for root cause analysis. Thus, identifying chronic unreported incidents aligns closely with the essential goal of root cause analysis, which is to discover and address foundational issues within an organization.