Fall incidents and hazards make up to 47% of all reported work-related incidents in the construction industry and are therefore a key focal area for occupational health and safety professionals. In the UK construction industry, 51% of all fatalities reported in 2023 were related to falls from height on sites. “The 2023/24 figure for fatal falls from height now sits at an unacceptable 35% above the five-year average of 37%,” an industry forum expert reports in a statement.

Preventing incidents before they happen

A bowtie diagram helps visualise how to prevent and manage risks like fall from heights or other fall incidents. It includes preventive measures such as training, safe zones, and regulatory oversight, all aimed at stopping incidents before they happen. It also maps out mitigating measures to reduce the impact if something does go wrong. In this case, the bowtie helps you identify what needs to be in place to prevent falls from scaffolding or similar work at height.

Mapping out risks associated with fall incidents

Read more about how bowtie analysis can help you reduce the risk of falls and improve safety on site: How to use the bowtie methodology in construction

The picture shows bowtie “Falling from Heights” along with important meta data related to the bowtie giving it more context and allowing filtering on important information.

The bowtie example below shows how preventive measures like valid training certificates and regular equipment maintenance contribute to a safer worksite. Visualising them in a bowtie diagram makes it easier to see how each action plays a role in preventing accidents.

By implementing this methodology, construction companies can enhance their risk communication, improve safety performance, and foster a proactive safety culture.   

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