Every organisation carries a responsibility to protect its people. This responsibility is more than compliance with regulations. It is a moral commitment to ensure safety, provide support, and act when risks arise. That commitment is called duty of care.
Duty of care is the obligation to take reasonable steps to prevent harm. In business, it means safeguarding staff in the workplace, on the road, and during international assignments.
It is not just a principle on paper. It requires practical action. Risk assessments, emergency support, and effective communication are all essential. For companies with global operations, consistent protection across borders matters even more.
Most countries include duty of care in employment and health and safety law. Employers must identify foreseeable risks and take reasonable steps to reduce them. The definition of “reasonable” varies by context, but the expectation is always clear: act to protect people.
Law alone does not create trust. Employees expect their organisation to show real care for their wellbeing. Meeting this expectation strengthens loyalty and resilience, especially where staff face higher risks.
Today’s workforce is mobile. Staff travel to client sites, through airports, and into countries with uncertain healthcare or security. Duty of care follows them wherever they go.
For example, organisations may need to:
Provide risk briefings before travel
Offer 24/7 access to telemedicine abroad
Use communication tools like SIREN for emergencies
Monitor incidents through platforms such as Aurora
By viewing mobility as part of the workplace, businesses ensure protection extends beyond office walls.
It all starts with understanding the threats. These may include health hazards, political unrest, cybercrime, or natural disasters. Regular assessments — including remote threat assessments — help leaders prepare properly.
Good policies must translate into real-world support. For example:
Secure transport in high-risk regions
Evacuation plans during conflict or natural disasters
24/7 medical access through global telemedicine networks
These measures show staff that their safety is more than a statement.
Neglecting duty of care is costly. Organisations risk legal penalties, reputational harm, and staff turnover. In contrast, strong frameworks bring benefits. Staff who feel safe are more engaged, more loyal, and more productive.
NGS supports this with a full Security & Travel Risk Management (STRM) framework. From intelligence bulletins to crisis response and global networks, our services keep people safe while helping organisations meet ISO 31030 standards.
Many organisations treat duty of care as a box-ticking exercise. This approach leaves gaps that only become clear in a crisis. Frequent missteps include:
Relying on travel insurance without prevention measures
Providing no two-way communication during emergencies
Skipping training for staff in hostile environments
Ignoring contractors or temporary workers
Avoiding these pitfalls is as important as building the framework itself.
Duty of care is not bureaucracy. It is a promise to protect people, wherever they are. With proper planning, the right tools, and expert partners, organisations can meet obligations and give staff the support they deserve.
