What steps should you take if you lose your corporate credit card or passport while traveling on business? Or how about if you’re the target of a violent crime? Emergencies happen — and we’re not talking about flying with a colicky baby onboard or having to sit through an in-flight movie starring an annoying has-been pop star. Are you prepared for the unexpected?
According to a recent survey conducted by Control Risks, a specialty risk consultancy firm, 80 percent of travelers in the US believe their employers are legally responsible for their safety during international travel. Although 46 percent of Americans said that their company didn’t have a travel security policy, a whopping 52 percent of US employees stated they would consider legal action if their safety was threatened while traveling on business. Regardless of who is accountable in the eyes of the law, it’s your life on the line.
Yes, businesses clearly need to address this issue by instituting travel security programs that provide flight tracking and offer 24-hour support, but safety requires employees step up to the plate, as well. Control Risks found that 54 percent of Americans don’t carry emergency contact information when traveling abroad, and 22 percent don’t know who to contact at their company in the event of a crisis.
The U.S. Department of State provides comprehensive information on their website for the business traveler, with a link to information pertinent to a number of specific countries, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe. You may not be able to control your comfort, but you can do you part to your ensure your safety.
