Swiss Cheese Model
Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30
CORE DEFINITION
Defense layers are compared to slices of cheese with holes; a single layer's holes may not cause disaster, but when holes in all layers happen to align, an accident penetrates all defenses.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
The Swiss cheese model of accident causation is a model used in risk analysis and risk management. It likens human systems to multiple slices of Swiss cheese, which have randomly placed and sized holes in each slice, stacked side by side, in which the risk of a threat becoming a reality is mitigated by the layers of defense, but when the holes align, the threat can pass through all layers and cause an accident.
Anchor fast decisions
The Swiss cheese model (Reason) compares defense layers to slices of cheese, each with holes (vulnerabilities). Accidents occur only when holes in each layer happen to align, forming a trajectory through all defenses. It emphasizes defense in depth and systemic failures rather than single-point errors.
MINIMUM ACTION
In progress 0/1Practice this model in one real situation:
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Source support: Explicit
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swiss_cheese_modelverified
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