A look at ISO 31030:2021: Travel Risk Management Standard

ISO 31030 is a standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that provides guidelines for the management of travel risks in organizations. It aims to help organizations identify, assess, and control risks associated with business travel and ensure the safety and well-being of employees.

The standard emphasizes the importance of a proactive and systematic approach to travel risk management. It outlines key principles and provides guidance on establishing a travel risk management framework, conducting risk assessments, developing policies and procedures, and implementing effective risk controls.

ISO 31030 highlights the need for organizations to consider various factors when assessing travel risks, such as the destination’s security situation, health risks, local laws and customs, transportation safety, and communication capabilities. It encourages organizations to gather relevant information, analyze it, and make informed decisions to mitigate potential risks.

The standard also emphasizes the importance of communication and training in travel risk management. It suggests that organizations should educate employees about travel risks, provide them with necessary tools and resources, and establish communication channels to keep travelers informed and supported during their trips.

By following the guidelines provided in ISO 31030, organizations can enhance their ability to anticipate and respond to travel risks, minimize the impact on their employees and operations, and ensure duty of care obligations are met. It promotes a comprehensive and systematic approach to travel risk management, contributing to the overall safety and security of employees traveling for business purposes.

The starting place for all businesses is to ensure they have a strong grasp of its comprehensive, in-depth guidance, which spans many areas affecting business travel. The next step is for employers to check their existing base standard for travel activity against ISO 31030 to identify and plug the gaps in their travel risk management policies.

Once they have upgraded their policy in line with the ISO standard, employers should educate their business travellers about the standard and demonstrate what they have done to align their travel risk policies with this codified duty of care. This will go a long way in helping employees feel fully aware of the risks they are likely to face on their corporate travels while also reassuring them that adequate measures are in place to shield them from any harm throughout the business trip.

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