Smoother flight path for business travel

Managing health, safety and security risks to workers on international travel and assignment is the subject of a new paper from FERMA and medical and travel security risk services specialist International SOS.

A survey earlier this year conducted by FERMA and International SOS confirms that travel risk management is on the agenda for 79% of the risk and insurance managers polled.

So the two organisations have developed the paper to help risk and insurance managers better understand their responsibilities towards work-related international travel and assignments.

The document identifies the risk manager as a pivotal influencer in evaluating effective travel risk management solutions.

As the paper notes: “The risk manager’s holistic perception of the medical, security and insurance aspects is critical to considering efficient solutions and practical responses to any situation an organisation might face when sending workers abroad.”

The paper includes:

A legal review of duty of care for organisations in Europe

Best practices and practical experiences from leading risk practitioners representing Atlas Copco, CMI Groupe, DLA Piper, Drägerwerk, Kering, and Wolters Kluwer

A travel risk management toolbox that outlines the health and travel security measures organisations can implement to help reduce risks for their travellers and international assignees

A review of the transposition of the EU legislation in 15 member states, which shows that national laws vary towards greater health, safety and security responsibilities for organisations towards their workers.

Jorge Luzzi, FERMA board member with responsibility for the project, says: “People are travelling on business more and further than ever before. This report will support organisations in fulfilling their duty of care to these travellers, who are likely to be exposed to unfamiliar situations and increased risks compared to their home countries.

“FERMA recommends it to its members and all others involved in managing international travel for their organisations, for both its practical and legal advice.”

International SOS regional medical director Laurent Taymans adds: “In this rapidly changing economic environment, companies need to be able to implement robust and scalable solutions to protect their travellers and expats.

“There is a measurable benefit for understanding and mitigating health, safety and security risks. These are an increasingly vital component of the international business development strategy.

“There is much more to the eye in regards to prevention than just direct financial considerations. Risk and insurance managers now have a unique opportunity to reinvent their role and leverage support.”