Step 3) Identify Risks and Assess Impacts

Is Your Company Prepared for the Worst?

Every organization is at risk from different types of risks such as natural hazards, human caused hazards and technological hazards. Every risk has unique needs which may require special planning.

Step One: Start with a list of all the hazards your business might face

Security: Theft, vandalism, cyber attack, fraud, sabotage
Infrastructure: Fire, hazardous materials, power outage, loss of utilities
Operational: Supply chain, transportation, IT and telecommunications disruptions
Severe Weather: Flooding, tornado, hail, windstorm, lightning
Personal: Pandemic, loss of staff, labour action

Step Two: Create an inventory of critical business assets and processes

What things are essential to keeping your business running?

Step Three: Develop a Risk Analysis for your business

Imagine how each hazard might affect the items on your business inventory.

Step Four: Develop a Business Impact Assessment

Assess each risk and imagine how they could potentially affect your ability to continue operating as well as the financial impact for your business.

Potential impacts on your business could be:
  • Loss of services (power, water, gas and communications);
  • Damage to building, parking facilities and neighbouring buildings;
  • Loss of important files and critical business data;
  • Damage to inventory and equipment;
  • Employee injury;
  • Damage to employee homes, school closures and to roads or transportation networks;
  • Disruption to business network.

Tips for Businesses

During and after a disaster, staff and volunteers may face fatigue, burnout or personal stress as they are pressured to maintain service delivery under difficult conditions.
Risk Matrix Template