5 Why Worksheet

What this template does#

The worksheet records 5 Why analyses in a compact form: one row per problem, with columns for each why, the root cause, the countermeasure, the owner and the due date. The example row shows an open seam problem traced to a missing attachment check in the style change procedure.

See 5 Why analysis for the method and more examples.

When to use it#

• For problems with a fairly clear chain of cause and effect.
• In daily or weekly problem-solving meetings.
• After a fishbone analysis, to go deeper on a verified cause. See the root cause analysis sheet.

How to complete it#

1. Write the problem precisely: what, where, when, how much.
2. Ask why and write the answer in Why 1. Check it is true.
3. Continue until the answer is a process or system cause you can change. You may need fewer than five whys, or more.
4. Check the chain backwards: each answer should explain the one before it.
5. Write the countermeasure, owner and due date.
6. Follow up to confirm the problem has stopped.

Tips#

• If the answers split into two different causes, use two rows.
• Avoid answers that end at a person ("operator was careless"). Ask why the mistake was possible or not caught.
• Keep evidence (photos, data) with the worksheet.

Common mistakes#

• Guessing answers instead of checking.
• Stopping at a symptom.
• Writing a countermeasure that only repeats training.

Download formats#

The Excel workbook contains the example row and a landscape print layout. The CSV contains headings and the example row.