Article
What is the New ISO 31031 Standard?
Updated
Every year, millions of young people embark on school trips, yet a significant number of these trips result in injuries or even fatalities due to inadequate risk management. ISO has been working on addressing the education sector's specific risk management needs and challenges and has just published the new ‘ISO 31031 – Managing Travel Risks – Guidance for Organizations’. This standard aims to prevent student incidents by providing a structured approach to managing the unique risks associated with youth, students, universities, and school travel. It addresses the key aspects educational institutions should focus on to safeguard their staff and youthfully.
The Need for ISO 31031
School trips are integral to the educational experience, offering students opportunities for learning, cultural exchange, and personal growth. However, these trips also come with inherent risks. According to recent studies, many incidents during school trips are preventable with proper planning and risk management. Several key factors underscore the need for a comprehensive standard like ISO 31031:
1. Increasing Complexity of Trips:
Today's school trips are broader in scope and more complex, ranging from local day outings to international excursions. This wide range of activities increases the potential risks and challenges that must be managed effectively. Coupled with an evolving global risk landscape—including both medical and security threats—educators face more complex safety challenges than ever before.
2. Vulnerabilities of Minors:
Young travelers are particularly vulnerable to accidents, health issues, and security threats. ISO 31031 addresses these vulnerabilities by providing specific guidelines to ensure their safety and security.
3. Global Participation:
With millions of students participating in school trips globally, a standardized approach to risk management is more critical than ever. ISO 31031 offers a universal framework that can be adopted by organizations worldwide.
Key Components of ISO 31031
1. Scope and Applicability:
- ISO 31031 covers all types of trips, from local day trips to international excursions lasting several months.
- It applies to various purposes, including educational, research, training, and recreational activities.
2. Risk Management Framework:
- The standard emphasises the importance of a structured risk management framework that integrates into the organization's governance and decision-making processes.
- It includes guidelines for assessing and treating travel risks, ensuring that risk management is a well-established and ongoing process rather than a one-time task.
3. Safety and Security:
- ISO 31031 provides specific guidelines for ensuring the safety and security of young travelers, including students from primary to tertiary educational institutions.
- It includes measures for safeguarding minors and addressing their vulnerabilities during travel.
4. Emergency Response Planning:
- The standard outlines best practices for creating an effective emergency response plan.
- This includes preparing for emergencies and ensuring all stakeholders know their roles and responsibilities.
Benefits of ISO 31031
- Enhanced Safety: By following the guidelines in ISO 31031, organizations can significantly reduce the risks associated with youth and school trips, ensuring a safer travel experience for young people.
- Improved Risk Management: The standard provides a comprehensive framework for managing travel risks, helping organizations plan and execute trips more effectively.
- Compliance and Accountability: Adopting ISO 31031 demonstrates an organization's commitment to safety and risk management, enhancing its reputation and accountability.
How International SOS Can Help
ISO 31031 is a crucial addition to the ISO 31000 family, offering detailed guidance on managing risks for youth and school trips. By implementing this standard, organizations can ensure the safety and security of young travelers, providing peace of mind to parents, educators, and all stakeholders involved. For decades we have been empowering primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions to meet their Duty of Care responsibilities.
International SOS has developed a self-assessment tool to help educators benchmark their educational institution against ISO 31031. This will generate a report that can be used in conversations with management.