Questions to Ask Before a Bowtie Workshop

A workshop is a great environment to build an effective bowtie diagram. Many experts argue that bowtie diagrams should be built in a workshop, as opposed to relying on one person to paint the complete picture of the risk.

If you’re thinking of running a workshop, stop. First, answer these five questions to ensure you’re fully prepared.

Question 1 – What are your goals?

Put your goal at the heart of every decision you make, and ensure everything you do will help you achieve this goal.  

For example, if your goal is to use the bowtie to actively manage risks, you should consider using metadata to enhance your barriers. Metadata can be used to describe details such as barrier effectiveness, owner, type and more. A risk matrix is another great opportunity to add more detail by evaluating the likelihood and severity of each consequence.

For more information on how to use the risk matrix, check out our video. 

Or perhaps your goal is to train your staff about the risks present at the job site. If so, you might want to consider keeping the diagram as simple as possible and only including the most important information. For example, adding degradation factors and controls might over-complicate the picture in this scenario. 

Before I move on to the next question, think about the intended audience based on your goal. The level of detail and complexity you use may vary depending on if the bowtie is being used for training, risk management, or as part of a submission to the regulator. It can depend on the level of experience of your audience. 

Question 2 – How are you going to build your diagram?

There are many ways to build a bowtie diagram. You might want to use the tried and true hand-written method, which can be great for brainstorming in a workshop environment. Grab a whiteboard, flip chart or pass out paper for each table. 

But even if you draw up the first draft by hand, we recommend going digital once the diagram takes shape. A digital version is more formal and allows you to add details such as metadata with ease. A digital version is also much more practical for remote workshops. 

Our software, Bowtie Master, makes creating and sharing bowtie diagrams super easy. For extra detail, you can add and customise your own metadata, risk matrices and more. 

If you’re not ready to commit to a software solution, check out our free templates to create your diagram on powerpoint or excel. 

Question 3 – Who should be attending?

You guessed it – it’s the “who” of it all.

First, consider the expertise level of those joining the workshop. What will they be able to contribute, based on their experience?

Bowtie workshops – when run well – can be suitable for a wide range of professionals such as safety officers, engineers, project managers, and more.

Just ensure that subject matter experts are present to discuss the risks they’re most familiar with, and those who actually have hands-on experience in the environment.

When human factors are involved, a human factors specialist should be present too.

Finally, also consider what your team’s understanding and experience of bowtie diagrams is – for example, it could be worth sharing our ‘how to make a bowtie diagram’ video, or even our ‘what is a bowtie diagram’ video out to participants to ensure everyone is aware of what will be expected of them, and establish some of the terminology used.

Question 4 – What supporting materials do you need?

For example, you may need supporting documents like HAZIDs or key drawings.

Consider sending out any materials to participants ahead of the workshop, as this can ensure everyone is up to speed before the workshop begins.

Also consider if this bowtie is standalone, or if multiple bowties are needed. If so, ask yourself what other diagrams needs to be created – and can they be done in this workshop, or should you arrange multiple workshops with varying participants?

Question 5 – Are you starting from scratch?

Both starting from scratch or updating existing bowties have their advantages.

For example, starting from scratch can mean more creativity in brainstorming, thinking outside the box and not being confined to what those before you have done.

But, on the other hand, existing bowties can be a great ‘jumping off point’ and reference to build upon.

This all said, good practice recommends that you begin with a clean slate, and then showing a previously developed bowtie for comparison. This way, participants won’t be ‘boxed in’ in their thinking, and might spot potential threats or create barriers  that had been previously missed.

Conclusion

So there you have it – the 5 questions to ask yourself to prepare for a bowtie workshop. You’re ready! Book the date in your diary, and then watch our video ‘how to run a bowtie workshop’ …good luck!