The Importance of Travel Security
Recent international situations such as the Australian and European wildfires, geo-political tensions across the globe and, of course, the ongoing pandemic have emphasized the risks of travelling. Yet with the increase of globalisation, businesses need to send employees to international destinations to facilitate commercial enterprise.
Modern business involves regular travel, and should things go wrong, can put employees at risk. A serious illness, traffic accident, mugging or theft can quickly expose employees and employers to potential harm. In a post-COVID world, further travel risk requirements must be considered, and businesses are quickly finding they need to do more to manage and mitigate this.
How can organisations ensure ‘Duty of Care’?
It has been well-established in common law that employers owe a duty of care to their employees in terms of ensuring safety and security while engaged in business-related activities. This duty of care requirement extends across international borders.
Organisations can reduce their liability exposure and increase their duty-of-care requirements by implementing a robust travel security program with approval controls and continuous monitoring of international conditions.
Are there professional standards to adhere to?
The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) has introduced a new International Standard. The guidance, known as ISO 31030, sets a new standard for travel risk management that will help organisations of all types get back to work and build business travel confidence.
The new guidance provides a comprehensive framework of activities that users can tailor to fit their specific situations and needs. Importantly the guidance offered also provides support and insight for employers providing travel services. This includes good practice, how to maintain ‘Duty of Care’ and develop the quality of services, including:
• policy
• programme development
• threat and hazard identification
• opportunities and strengths
• risk assessment; and
• prevention and mitigation strategies.
Business travel and transport across the globe came to a standstill throughout the pandemic. Now, as people start moving again, it is critical that businesses and travellers are prepared for any eventuality. This new standard provides timely guidance on how to manage travel risks, including what can be done should an emergency arise that affects the traveller or the organisation. Employers can protect workers in a comprehensive manner, demonstrating that decisions are related to risk and based on solid and reliable information.
To view full details regarding the new ISO 31030, visit: https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#iso:std:iso:31030:ed-1:v1:en.
If you would like to learn more, contact us at enquires@priavosecurity.com and book a consultation with one of our experts.