Who pioneered fault tree analysis as a tool for mishap prevention?

Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) was indeed pioneered by Bell Laboratories, particularly through the work of engineer H. B. H. W. "Hugh" H. J. Wilkins and others in the late 1960s. This analytical method focuses on understanding the potential causes of system failures and accidents, thereby helping organizations identify and mitigate risks to improve safety and reliability.

Bell Laboratories utilized FTA to systematically analyze complex systems, particularly in the context of aerospace and defense projects. The methodology allows for a graphical representation of the pathways that lead to specific undesired events, facilitating a thorough examination of how various malfunctions or failures might contribute to accidents. This pioneering work laid the groundwork for the widespread use of fault tree analysis across various industries, including nuclear safety and manufacturing, as a fundamental component of risk management and safety engineering.

While organizations like NASA, General Electric, and IBM have utilized and contributed to risk analysis methods, they did not originate FTA, thereby distinguishing Bell Laboratories as the key innovator in this field.