Safeguard Employees [Business Travel Checklist]

Global threats and hazards for business travellers is an ongoing security concern and it is therefore important to safeguard employees when travelling on business. We have complied some travel tips and key points for consideration prior to sending your team abroad.

1. Your duty of care obligations – undertake a thorough analysis of the risks

Employers are required to conduct suitable and sufficient risk assessments for employees who conduct routine, overseas or high-risk travel.

2. Educate employees about their destination

Encourage employees to keep themselves informed about the risks of terrorism or social unrest in the country or region they are going to. Take advantage of web-based resources providing country information and security advice, such as the FCO, State Department and Smart traveller for a good start.

3. Research cultural issues before departure

Help employees understand how clients or suppliers in a particular country do business and recognize how their practices and behaviours’ may differ to those in the UK.  U.K. They should be made aware of cultural differences, laws and religious constraints – female travellers, in particular, may need to pack appropriate clothing.

4. Encourage employees to take appropriate health precautions

Make sure they access health information prior to travel and are vaccinated accordingly. Ensure your employees are fit to travel, and that any underlying health problems will be facilitated. If unsure, visit: Fit for Travel or Centre for Disease. Ensure their trip is covered with the correct insurance.

5. Protect your Documents

Scan or photograph important documents such as driver’s licenses, credit cards and passports as well as specific medical information, as this could be beneficial in case of an emergency. Ensure documents are kept in a safe location while you travel.

6. Internet security and identity fraud

Forewarn employees about using the internet while travelling. Avoid public Wi-Fi and encourage employees to turn on their firewall, keep their operating system up-to-date, avoid online activities that require accessing personal information.

7. Develop a policy for dealing with issues and emergencies

Make sure this policy is clearly communicated and that employees store the appropriate contact numbers in order to access help quickly in an emergency situation, especially ‘out of hours’ contacts. Advise them how to contact emergency services should they need to.

Most Importantly advise employees:

1. Don’t look like a tourist – dress inconspicuously and avoid wearing jewellery or using technologies in public.
2. Don’t advertise travel plans on social medias.
3. Be aware of your surroundings and be vigilant for suspicious behaviour.
4. Always use trusted travel and where possible pre-arrange your transport.
5. Learn a few words and phrases in the local language.
6. Share your itinerary with your colleagues or associates so they know of your whereabouts during your business trip.

We have provided a Business Travel Safety Checklist to give to your employees: Safeguarding-Employees-within-Business-Travel: Employee-Checklist.  For more information on the Travel Security Services, we provide visit: priavosecurity.com/travel-risk-management or for more information on our Locate Travel safety App visit: locate-global.com.