Using BowTie outputs to support risk management

Adopting the bowtie methodology does not require organisations to re-invent Safety Management Systems (SMS). It is simply a tool that can be used to support and enhance existing SMS processes efficient and consistent manner.

The two primary outputs of the BowTie methodology are risk assessment and risk communication, however, it can provide support to a wider range of SMS activities. The BowTie methodology can provide the following of the four pillars of a SMS.

Safety policy and objectives

Safety accountabilities

The BowTie methodology can help organisations clearly define, communicate and document safety accountability throughout the organisation by linking accountable post holders to specific controls.

Safety risk management

Risk assessment and mitigation

Risk assessment and mitigation

• Provide a proven, logical structure to qualitative risk assessment.
• Demonstrate that risks are being managed to a level that is As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP)  
• Provide senior management with an overview of the risk landscape to facilitate improved risk management practices.

Safety assurance

• Verifying safety performance by validating the effectiveness of safety risk controls and barriers.
• Linking safety intelligence activities to bowties, including Safety Performance Indicators (SPIs) and lessons identified from incidents and accidents.
• Monitoring the health and performance of critical risk controls.
• Focusing and targeting assurance and oversight activities based on the safety risk controls identified within bowties.

The Management of change

• Support organisations in identifying and managing the impact of change on safety by comparing the risk landscape before and after a proposed change.

Safety promotion

Training and Education

• Facilitate discussions and raise awareness with diagrams and various pictorial representation e.g. before beginning a particular type of operation or at scheduled training events.

Safety Communication

• Facilitate communication, collaboration and co-ordination both internally and with external stakeholders.
• Ensure understanding of safety responsibilities, convey safety critical information and explain safety actions relevance and procedures.
• Generate diagrams and/ or text-based reports based on the bowtie output.