Visualising and Managing Hazards

Bowtie Studies are a powerful risk assessment method that visually map hazardous scenarios and distinguishes between preventative and mitigative controls. They enables organisations to clearly see how hazards can escalate and what measures are in place to prevent or reduce their impact. 

At Safety Solutions, we have extensive experience delivering Bowtie risk analysis across industries such as dairy, food production, oil and gas, power generation, and pulp and paper. Our approach combines technical expertise with clear visual communication, giving you actionable insights for safer, more resilient operations. 

Bowtie diagram illustrating overfill scenario risk assessment, showing hazard identification, safety critical elements, control measures, probabilities, and outcomes

The Bowtie Model Structure 

  • Centre – The hazard and the ‘top event’ (the point where control is lost). 
  • Left Side – Causes and preventative controls designed to stop the top event from occurring. 
  • Right Side – Mitigative controls and potential outcomes, focusing on reducing the severity of consequences after the top event. 

Types of Bowtie Risk Assessment We Provide 

We deliver all three key forms of Bowtie studies, depending on your risk management needs: 

  1. Pure Qualitative Bowties-Focus on mapping causes, controls, and potential escalation pathways without quantifying the risk. This method is highly effective for communicating risk scenarios clearly to stakeholders. 
  1. Semi-Qualitative Bowties-Incorporates control effectiveness ratings and risk reduction factors to provide a more refined understanding of the overall consequence risk level.We use the VelocityEHS Operational Risk Platform, a cloud-based risk assurance platform, to create Bowtie diagrams that are detailed, visually clear, and easily shared across your organisation. 

Benefits of Bowtie Risk Analysis 

  • Clear Communication – Bowtie diagrams simplify complex hazard pathways for all stakeholders. 
  • Comprehensive Hazard Understanding – Identifies both preventative and mitigative measures in one view. 
  • Improved Decision-Making – Supports prioritisation of safety investments and resource allocation. 
  • Regulatory Compliance – Helps demonstrate thorough safety assessment processes for audits and certification.
Bowtie Training 

We also offer a one-day Bowtie Training course that equips your team with the skills and confidence to conduct effective Bowtie risk analysis within your own operations. The course covers the fundamentals of the Bowtie methodology, practical exercises, and application to real workplace scenarios. 

Bowtie Introduction e-learning

For operators, engineers, and safety professionals who want to strengthen their understanding of bowtie risk assessment. This on-demand course builds knowledge of the bowtie method, covering how to structure a bowtie, identify threats, consequences, and critical controls. Participants will develop the ability to use bowties for clear, visual risk communication and stronger risk management. Interactive exercises, quizzes, and a workshop are included to help you confidently build and apply your own bowtie.

Why Choose Safety Solutions 

  • Experienced Facilitators – Our consultants are skilled in both facilitation and technical risk analysis, having delivered Bowtie studies across multiple high-hazard sectors. 
  • Proven Track Record – Trusted by organisations in oil and gas, food production, power generation, and more. 
  • Tailored Approach – Training and analysis adapted to your specific operations, hazards, and regulatory environment. 

Enhance your risk management approach with Bowtie risk analysis and training from Safety Solutions. CONTACT US TODAY to schedule a study or enrol your team in our Bowtie training course.

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