Bow Tie Methodology and Bayesian Networks in Safety Management to Reduce Rockfall Accidents in a Southern Peruvian Mining Company

Abstract

Between 2000 and 2019, underground mining operations reported 494 fatal accidents, with 27% caused by rockfalls—making them the leading cause of death in these environments. With an average of 5.2 such incidents per year, implementing critical controls and effective risk management is crucial to improving safety. Understanding the causes and consequences of these accidents is essential for developing preventive strategies to reduce future incidents. The Bow Tie methodology, integrated with Bayesian networks, offers a comprehensive framework for managing and mitigating risks associated with rockfall accidents. This approach structures risk management by identifying potential hazards, analyzing their causes and consequences, and implementing preventive and mitigative controls.