Hazard Vulnerability Analysis

It helps organizations understand what could go wrong and take steps to prepare before a disaster happens. A hazard vulnerability analysis (HVA) helps identify and prioritize the biggest threats to your workplace.

There are 4 main steps:

  1. Identify potential hazards- Think about all the types of events that could affect your workplace: natural disasters, cyberattacks, utility failures, or chemical spills.
  2. Evaluate likelihood and potential impact- For each hazard, estimate how likely it is to happen and how serious the consequences would be if it did.
  3. Risk stratify hazards- Rank or group the hazards based on their overall level of risk (likelihood × impact). This helps focus attention on the most critical threats.
  4. Take steps to help prepare- Use risk rankings to create or update emergency plans, stock necessary supplies, and train staff appropriately.

HVA’s can be conducted in conjunction with community partners or those outside of your immediate institution. These outside perspectives not only help enhance discussion but can also lead to establishing crucial partnerships and identifying additional resources


To see a template of a HVA, review California Hospital Association resources, click here.

Written by Dennis Ren

Last updated: 5/30/2025

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