BowTie Analysis Explained

Videos

BowTie Pro™ Videos

Overview of the BowTie Cloud Edition Find out the key benifits of the Cloud System. This video will show the overview and benifits of Risk Visualisation Hazard Analysis Control Effectiveness Tracking Collaboration
Find out the key components of a bowtie diagram
A step by step guide to create a new bowtie with BowTie Pro™ Standalone Edition This video will show how to Create a hazard Add Threats and Consequences to the hazard Enter barriers for the Threats and Consequences Assign caracteristics to the barriers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a bowtie analysis?

A bowtie analysis is a visual tool used in risk management to understand how potential threats can lead to harmful events and what controls are in place to prevent or minimise them.

The diagram looks like a bow tie, with the central knot representing the main event you want to avoid. On one side, you map out the causes or threats, and on the other, you list the possible consequences.

By including preventive and recovery measures, a bowtie analysis makes it easier to see gaps in your safety processes and improve your overall risk control strategy.

 The five steps of risk management are designed to help organisations identify and control potential problems before they cause harm.

 

  1. Identify hazards – Spot anything that could cause damage, injury, or loss.

  2. Assess the risks – Consider the likelihood and severity of each hazard.

  3. Control the risks – Put measures in place to reduce or eliminate the hazards.

  4. Monitor and review – Regularly check that your controls are working effectively.

Communicate and train – Make sure everyone understands the risks and the safety measures in place.
 Following these steps creates a structured approach to keeping people, assets, and operations safe.

The bow tie theory is a way of explaining how risks are connected to their causes and consequences.

It uses a bow tie-shaped diagram to link threats on the left to potential outcomes on the right, with the central event in the middle. The aim is to clearly show what can trigger a major incident and what could happen as a result, as well as the controls in place to prevent or respond to it.

This method helps organisations visualise complex risk scenarios in a simple, easy-to-understand format so they can make better safety decisions.