If P&C has taken care of travellers all over the world for over 30 years. Emergency assistance is an integrated part of If’s travel insurance service without any additional cost to the client.
In the Spring of 2023, If started its co-operation with Falck Global Assistance. This new partnership will further strengthen our ability to provide world-class services. In this article, Falck introduces the new Travel Risk Management standard.
In an ever more interconnected world, international business travel has become an integral part of the corporate landscape. With the rise of global uncertainties, ranging from geopolitical tensions to health and safety concerns, the need for robust travel risk management programs has become more pressing than ever. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) recognised this need and developed the ISO 31030 guidance standard, a comprehensive framework aimed at helping companies establish and maintain effective travel risk management programs.
Travel Risk Management is a recent addition to the ISO’s portfolio of standards. Introduced in 2021, this standard was tailor-made to address the evolving challenges faced by organisations and their employees during business travel. The ISO 31030 framework provides a systematic and proactive approach to identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with travel, making it the essential tool for companies looking to their duty of care obligations and the safeguarding of their employees.
By adopting the ISO 31030 standard, companies gain a comprehensive understanding of the potential risks their employees may encounter during business travel. This heightened awareness empowers them to proactively implement measures to mitigate these risks, thus significantly reducing the likelihood of harm to their employees. Adhering to this standard also ensures that companies meet the duty of care requirements imposed by legal frameworks and industry regulations in the European Union. Compliance not only protects the company from potential legal liabilities but also enhances its reputation as a responsible and conscientious employer.
A well-structured travel risk management program, aligned with the ISO 31030 standard, equips companies with a structured crisis management approach. In times of emergencies, this allows for swift decision-making and coordinated responses, minimising disruptions, and ensuring the safety of employees.
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.
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.
Falck Global Assistance can deliver a comprehensive suite of ISO 31030-compliant services, encompassing healthcare, emergency response, and travel risk management.
The offering includes:
• Travel Security Information
• 24/7 Support
• Remote Security Monitoring
• Security Training and Preparedness
• Crisis Management Support
• Emergency Security Response Services
• Security and Crisis Management
• Emergency Medical Response Services
• Remote Medical Services
• Healthcare Services
• Travel Assistance
• International Patient Support
If your company is interested in the new ISO 31030 standard or in improving or establishing a travel risk management program, contact Falck Global Assistance at crm.fga@falck.com