The Importance of Travel Managers in Safety & Risk Management

29 Nov 2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of corporate travel, ensuring the safety and well-being of employees on the move is a top priority

Travel managers play a crucial role in managing safety and risk, which extends far beyond booking flights and accommodations. Their responsibilities include implementing Duty of Care principles, managing crises, and ensuring adequate travel insurance coverage. This comprehensive approach not only protects travellers but also helps organizations fulfill their legal and ethical obligations.

The Importance of Safety and Risk Management in Corporate Travel

Duty of Care

Duty of Care is a legal and moral obligation that companies have to safeguard their employees’ health, safety, and well-being during business travel. For travel managers, this means:

• Pre-Trip Planning: Assessing potential risks associated with destinations, such as political instability, health risks, or natural disasters, and advising travellers accordingly.
• Traveller Education: Providing travellers with information and resources on how to stay safe, including cultural norms, emergency contacts, and safety protocols.
• Emergency Preparedness: Ensuring travellers know what to do in case of an emergency, including how to contact local authorities, embassies, or the company’s emergency response team.

Crisis Management

Crisis situations, such as natural disasters, terrorist attacks, or sudden illness, require travel managers to act swiftly and decisively. Key responsibilities include:

• Real-Time Monitoring: Continuously monitoring global events that could impact travellers and providing timely alerts to those affected.
• Crisis Communication: Establishing clear lines of communication to ensure travellers can easily contact the company in an emergency and receive the necessary support.
• Coordinating Evacuations: In extreme situations, travel managers may need to arrange evacuations, working closely with local authorities, embassies, and travel service providers to bring travellers to safety.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a critical component of risk management, providing a safety net for unexpected events.
Travel managers are responsible for:

• Evaluating Coverage Needs: Determining the appropriate level of insurance coverage based on the nature of the travel, including health insurance, trip cancellation, and evacuation coverage.
• Educating Travellers: Ensuring travellers understand their insurance coverage, including what is covered, how to make a claim, and what steps to take in an emergency.
• Managing Claims: Assisting travellers with the claims process to ensure they receive the support and compensation they need promptly.

Happy & Safe Travels.

Find out how VMR Travel can help your business travel make a difference.

info@vmrtravel.co.uk

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