A corrective action is realizing and defining a problem, containing the problem, determining its underlying cause, and taking appropriate corrective action thereafter to prevent it happening again.
A Corrective Action is re-active — deals with the problem AFTER the event. Corrects it.
A Preventive Action is pro-active — deals with the problem BEFORE it happens. Prevents it.
A formal corrective action report should be considered as a reactive response to a non conformance problem since it is about corrective actions taken when a nonconformance is detected (for example, customer complaints, a customer complaint).
The following steps will help you create a corrective action process:
Define the Problem
Establish an investigation team
Select an Interim Containment Action
Verify the Interim Containment Action
Identify the Root-Cause
Complete a Comparative Analysis
Develop Root-cause Theories
Verify the Root-Cause
Determine and Verify the Escape Point
Implement & Validate Permanent Corrective Actions
Preventing Recurrence
If necessary, employees can provide written warning of the process as an emergency response action to protect the employee or customer and initiate the process.
Updated: 27th April 2024
Author: Richard Keen
Richard Keen
Richard is our Compliance Director, responsible for content & product development.
But most importantly he is ISO's biggest fanboy and a true evangelist of the standards. Learn more about Richard
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