Which system can be used for effective incident investigation in process safety management?

Root cause analysis is the most effective system for incident investigation in process safety management. This approach focuses on identifying the fundamental reasons behind an incident rather than just addressing the symptoms or immediate causes. By systematically examining an incident, root cause analysis allows organizations to uncover the underlying factors that contribute to failures, whether they are technical, organizational, human, or procedural.

This thorough examination is essential not only for rectifying the specific issues that led to an incident but also for preventing similar occurrences in the future. By implementing corrective actions based on the insights gained, organizations can enhance their safety protocols and foster a culture of continuous improvement in process safety.

The other choices involve important aspects of process safety management but do not serve as primary systems for incident investigation. For instance, statistical control is focused on monitoring and controlling processes through statistical methods, while change management deals with the handling and documentation of changes within processes. Process hazard analysis is a proactive approach used to identify potential hazards before an incident occurs, rather than analyzing past incidents. Therefore, root cause analysis stands out as the most suitable option for effective incident investigation in this context.