As the managing director, owner or person responsible for sending expats, it is your responsibility to ensure that your employees are as safe as possible. There is hardly any other area that is so strongly influenced by subjective factors as safety. There are no numerical values, no collected measurement data, and there are no incontrovertible facts that could claim that a person is safe if this and that is fulfilled to this extent.
This creates a big problem. How do you know, and how can you prove that you have done everything in your power to protect your employee?
One good way is to align your security measures with the guidelines of ISO 31030, an international standard for travel risk management.
Summary of ISO 31030 guidelines and processes for risk management in the context of business travel:
1. risk assessment and identification:
Develop a systematic approach to identifying and assessing risks, including safety, health, environmental, legal and operational aspects.
2. duty of care:
Emphasizing the duty of care to travellers, with provision of adequate security measures, health care and emergency response.
3. communication of risks:
Establish clear lines of communication to inform travellers of potential risks, including use of technology for real-time notifications.
4. training and preparation:
Recommend training and education programmes to prepare travellers for risks and emergency procedures.
5. emergency and crisis management:
Developing emergency and crisis management plans and ensuring that travellers can act appropriately in emergency situations.
6. documentation and reporting:
Require documentation of risk assessments, actions taken and incidents and regular reporting to senior management and relevant stakeholders.
7. continuous improvement:
Emphasizing the importance of continuously reviewing and updating risk management processes related to business travel.
8. Compliance with Legal and Regulatory Requirements:
Ensuring that business travel complies with applicable laws and regulations, particularly regarding visas, work permits, and health requirements.
9. Consultation and Expertise:
Recommending the involvement of experts and consultants for the proper assessment and management of specific risk areas such as security, health, and travel medicine.
10. Data Protection and Confidentiality:
Emphasizing the importance of protecting sensitive information during business travel and recommending appropriate data protection measures.
In conclusion, it should be emphasized that the consistent application and regular review of the ISO 31030 guidelines not only contribute to the immediate improvement of the safety of your deployed employees but also promote an ongoing, dynamic engagement with security issues that is essential for the long-term resilience and well-being of your company and its employees.
