A Proof of Concept Study for Analyzing Hazmat Transportation Risks in an All-Hazards Environment

Events such as the World Trade Center attacks, Hurricane Katrina, and the Minneapolis bridge collapse have affected society's perception of the risks affecting our lives. It has also led to the realization that a more systematic and holistic approach to risk management is needed, one that takes into consideration natural hazards, man made accidents, and intentional acts in a single context. This article discusses the early stage development of an all-hazards risk management (AHRM) approach designed to achieve this objective, taking hazardous materials transportation risk into consideration. Utilizing established assessment methods and data sources, relevant risks are expressed in monetary terms, creating a consistent basis from which one can identify those risks that warrant priority attention. An early stage application is presented, one involving an assessment of truck transportation of hazardous materials and earthquakes as two risks threatening several areas within the State of Tennessee, to illustrate the viability of implementing an AHRM approach.