Tying Up Loose Ends: 10 Reasons to Harness Bowtie Risk Analysis for Managing Psychosocial Hazards
by Cate Latimer
In Australia, psychosocial hazards are increasingly being recognised under work health and safety (WHS) laws across all states and territories. Here in W.A., psychosocial hazards were gazetted under the new WHS Act and WHS Regulations, in December 2022.
Defined as hazards that can cause psychological harm related to work design and management, the work environment, workplace equipment, and interpersonal interactions or behaviour, psychosocial risks are now a crucial focus in workplace safety. Psychosocial hazards can be risk assessed using Bowtie Risk Analysis Methodology. A Bowtie is a risk assessment tool is used to visually represent the relationship between a potential hazard, the events that could cause that hazard to escalate, and the consequences if it does. A Bowtie analysis offers visual clarity by breaking down complex risk scenarios into understandable parts, enhances risk management by identifying weaknesses in control measures, and serves as an effective communication tool for conveying risk management strategies across as an organisation.
Spring Safety Consultants Wellbeing Team, Dorit Ozchakir, Sophia Rossow, Sonia Ceglinski
Implementation
The implementation of psychosocial regulations calls for a strategic approach to managing psychosocial hazards, particularly within high-risk industries such as construction, mining and FIFO (Fly-In, Fly-Out) operations. This approach not only aids in the identification and control of psychosocial risks but also aligns with regulatory compliance and enhances overall workplace safety.
To implement Bowtie Risk Analysis effectively, relevant psychosocial hazards must be identified with input from subject matter experts. The “top event” should be defined to pinpoint critical risks, followed by the development and documentation of preventive controls for identified threats and mitigative controls for potential consequences.
Dorit Ozchakir, Master of Business Psychology, Bachelor Psychology and Behavioural Sciences (UWA)
Reasons to Conduct a Bowtie Analysis for Psychosocial Hazards
Conducting a Bowtie Risk Analysis for psychosocial hazards is beneficial for several reasons. Here are ten key reasons:
- Comprehensive Risk Management: Bowtie analysis helps visualise and understand the full spectrum of psychosocial risks, from causes to consequences, ensuring comprehensive management within the mining, construction, and FIFO environment.
- Compliance with Regulations: There is a new draft Code of Practice (attached) that outlines further requirements for FIFO companies to manage psychosocial hazards. Conducting a Bowtie Risk Analysis helps ensure compliance with these legal requirements.
- Proactive Identification of Hazards: It allows the company to identify potential psychosocial hazards early, such as workplace stress, harassment, or fatigue, and address them before they escalate into serious issues.
- Utilise Technology: Companies may wish to utilise subscriptions to software such as BowtieXP to conduct Bowtie workshops. The Bowtie can be integrated into company Psychosocial Management Plans. A comprehensive document, demonstrating compliance to the Regulator.
- Improved Control Effectiveness: The analysis helps evaluate the effectiveness of existing controls and identify gaps, ensuring that psychosocial risks are managed effectively alongside physical hazards. E.g. gaps could be lack of peers supporters, employees trained in Mental Health First Aid, lack of immediate mental health medical support, or timely response of existing EAP service.
- Enhanced Employee Well-being: Addressing psychosocial risks through a structured approach like Bowtie analysis contributes to better mental health and overall well-being of employees, reducing absenteeism and turnover. Takes the big picture view.
- Reduction of Incident Probability: By understanding the pathways that lead to psychosocial incidents, controls could be implemented to interrupt these pathways, thereby reducing the likelihood of incidents occurring.
- Promotion of a Safety Culture: Incorporating psychosocial hazards into a Bowtie Risk Analysis demonstrates commitment to a holistic safety culture, where both physical and mental health risks are taken seriously. Engaging the subject matter experts (SME’s) brings them on board and engages senior management to own the risk controls.
- Improved Communication and Awareness: The visual nature of Bowtie diagrams makes it easier to communicate complex risk scenarios to all levels of the organisation, raising awareness about psychosocial hazards.
- Preparation for Crisis Scenarios: Understanding potential psychosocial risk scenarios and having controls in place prepares the company to respond effectively to crises, such as critical incidents or major workforce disruptions.
Sonia Ceglinski, Master Applied Psychology in Organisational Psychology, Bachelor of Psychology, (Murdoch)
Conclusion
Using the Bowtie Risk Analysis Methodology for analysing psychosocial hazards is a fundamental approach for creating a comprehensive and effective risk management program. By doing so, companies can ensure they address both physical and mental health risks, promoting a holistic safety culture and better protecting their workforce. This integration not only meets regulatory requirements but also prepares companies to respond effectively to crises, ultimately contributing to the well-being and safety of all employees.
At Spring Safety Consultants, we specialise in conducting Bowtie risk workshops. Sonia and Dorit our industry experienced psychologists are ready to help you integrate psychosocial hazard management into your work health and safety programs. Contact us today at sophia@springsafety.com.au to learn more about how we can help you create a safer working environment.
References
Code of Practice Managing Psychosocial hazards in the workplace (2022)
Draft Code of Practice Psychosocial hazards at work for fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) workers in the resources and construction sectors (July 2024)
