ISO 31030 & Travel Risk Management with Falck Global Assistance

• Risk Assessment and Planning: The ISO 31030 standard emphasises the significance of conducting a thorough risk assessment before and during travel. This involves evaluating the travel destination’s political stability, health risks, ground transport, choice of accommodation, natural disasters, and any other potential hazards that may impact the safety of travellers. Armed with this information, companies can develop comprehensive risk management plans that outline preventive measures and contingency strategies.
• Duty of Care: ISO 31030 highlights the employer’s responsibility to uphold the duty of care towards their travelling employees. This includes providing relevant pre-travel information, adequate training, and support systems to assist travellers in emergencies. By adhering to these guidelines, companies demonstrate their commitment to employee well-being and minimise potential legal and reputational risks.
• Communication and Monitoring: The standard underscores the importance of clear communication channels between employers and travellers. Regular monitoring of travel plans allows companies to stay updated on their employees’ whereabouts and well-being, enabling timely intervention in case of emergencies. Effective communication protocols also enable swift dissemination of critical information to travellers when situations evolve rapidly.

Supporting Travel Risk Management

ISO 31030-compliant security and crisis management guidelines are designed to prioritise the safety and well-being of employees, especially when travelling or operating in challenging or high-risk environments. These guidelines often emphasise the importance of providing up-to-date travel security information, including risk assessments, for different regions. This helps organisations and individuals to make informed travel decisions, increasing awareness of potential security threats. Another vital component is continuous 24/7 support, ensuring individuals can always access assistance regardless of their location. Furthermore, remote security monitoring is typically emphasised to observe travellers’ safety and security in real-time, allowing proactive responses to emerging risks. 

Travel risk management is a comprehensive discipline that requires careful consideration of various elements and perspectives to ensure safety and efficiency. Approaching the complexities of travel, especially in our contemporary, fast-paced world, requires a holistic structure that accommodates the specific needs and requirements of individuals and organisations. It is paramount to understand the geopolitical landscape of travel destinations, including their socio-political climate, potential civil unrest, economic status, and cultural differences. The integration of these elements, along with the utilisation of data, can help in predicting potential risks and proactively preparing for them. 

Security training and preparedness stand as foundational pillars. Providing security training sessions and materials, along with equipping travellers with the necessary tools and knowledge, are vital steps in preparing them for potential security incidents during their journeys. This proactive approach extends to crisis management, where travellers benefit from both risk assessments and professional travel security advice, along with actionable guidance for managing emergency situations. 

Emergencies, by their very nature, can be unpredictable; being ready to respond to them involves a comprehensive approach. This includes immediately accessible medical assistance, established plans for evacuations, and protocols for security incidents. Additionally, it’s crucial to have a flexible approach to handle a variety of medical emergencies, ensuring prompt help is available whenever and wherever required.

Medical support challenges

Particular challenges emerge when addressing medical support in remote and challenging locations. In these settings, integrating traditional medical care with remote medical care, such as telemedicine, becomes essential. Travellers should have access to medical consultations and be assured of medical evacuations when necessary. 

Healthcare, as a broader domain, stretches beyond immediate medical emergencies. Comprehensive solutions addressing a range of healthcare needs, from medical consultations and health assessments to medical second opinions and personalised health programs, should be integrated into the travel risk management strategy. 

The ISO 31030 standard serves as an indispensable tool for companies seeking to safeguard their employees during business travel, and Falck Global Assistance stands ready to assist organisations in implementing this standard. By implementing this comprehensive framework, organisations can establish and maintain effective travel risk management programs that enhance risk awareness, demonstrate duty of care, and ensure efficient crisis management. Embracing ISO 31030 not only protects employees but also fosters a culture of safety and responsibility, bolstering a company’s reputation as a caring and ethical employer in an ever-changing global landscape. 

Falck Global Assistance (FGA) is a global company that provides a range of ISO 31030-compliant services in the emergency response, healthcare, and assistance sectors. FGA offers complete consultative services to help companies implement and sustain an ISO 31030-compliant travel risk management program by guiding them in setting essential policies and processes.