Visual Risk Communication: How Bowtie Diagrams Improve Understanding

Introduction

Risk communication is exchanging information to improve the understanding of risks among stakeholders. Risk communication is important in every step of the risk management process, from identifying risks to decision-making.

Contemporary risks have become more complex, making risk communication more challenging and crucial. This complexity often involves a variety of different stakeholders with their own unique perceptions, understanding and prepositions. Therefore, it is important to employ different risk communication methods to explain these effectively.

The bowtie methodology can be a powerful tool for communicating risks to stakeholders. There are many different approaches and types of bowties. Technical quantitative bowties, which combine event and fault trees, can be used to communicate technical, quantifiable risks. On the other hand, simplified qualitative bowties are more suitable for explaining risks to non-expert stakeholders.

Components of the bowtie model

1. Top Event: The central event where control over a hazard is lost.
2. Threats: Potential causes that can lead to the top event, displayed on the left side of the diagram.
3. Consequences: Potential outcomes if the top event occurs, shown on the right side.
4. Barriers: Measures placed on both sides of the top event to prevent or mitigate risks. Preventive barriers are on the left, while mitigative barriers are on the right.

Bowtie made with Presight Bowtie Workbench.

Benefits of using the bowtie methodology for risk communication

1. Visual representation: The bowtie methodology transforms complex risk scenarios into clear, easy-to-understand diagrams. This visual representation allows stakeholders to quickly grasp the nature of risks, their causes, and potential consequences, as well as the measures in place to prevent or mitigate these risks.
2. Dynamic and flexible: The bowtie methodology can be tailored to fit various industries such as maritime, construction, aviation, energy, oil and gas, chemical, manufacturing, and specific risk contexts, making it a versatile tool for risk communication. Signals can also be added to barriers to provide close to real-time insights.
3. Informed decision-making: The bowtie provides visualisation of risk-mitigating investments. Providing quick insights into where investments can be made.
4. Awareness and engagement: Visualising the function of preventive and mitigating measures increases risk awareness among stakeholders. This enhanced understanding leads to greater engagement in maintaining these barriers, ensuring that preventive and corrective measures are implemented and sustained.