Expanding globally? Mitigate risks with this essential checklist

Prime Systems works with major UK companies to help them leap into new territories, supporting their growth with bespoke risk management solutions that make international expansion smoother, faster, and more secure.?

Every country has its own set of health and safety standards, compliance laws, and cultural practices which must be taken into account when operating globally. Our useful checklist has been designed to help businesses understand the full extent of their obligations.?

1. Market research: Conduct thorough research to understand local market conditions, cultural differences, and customer needs.

2. Regulatory compliance: Ensure compliance with local laws, including health and safety regulations, employment laws, and industry standards.

3. Data protection: Comply with international data privacy regulations, such as GDPR in the EU, ensuring data is handled securely across borders.

4. Risk management: Identify potential risks, including political instability, currency fluctuations, supply chain disruptions, and local economic conditions, with mitigation strategies in place.

5. Health and safety standards: Familiarise with and implement local health and safety regulations to protect staff and visitors in each region.

6. Bespoke health and safety software solutions: Deploy tailored software solutions to monitor and report accidents, incidents, and compliance, ensuring real-time oversight of global operations.

7. Incident reporting systems: Use multi-language reporting tools for accurate, timely reporting of health and safety incidents across international sites.

8. Emergency response plans: Develop emergency procedures and crisis management plans tailored to local environments and risks.

9. Local legal considerations: Ensure contracts, liability, and legal processes align with local health and safety regulations, including insurance cover for incidents.

10. Compliance monitoring: Implement systems for regular audits and checks of health and safety compliance across different global sites.

11. Workplace safety audits: Schedule regular site inspections and safety assessments to identify and mitigate hazards in each location.

12. Training and staff development: Provide health and safety training to employees, tailored to local regulations and operational environments.

13. Technology infrastructure: Ensure IT systems, including health and safety monitoring software, are optimised for global use with local server setups to improve performance.

14. Supply chain and contractor management: Ensure that local suppliers and contractors meet health and safety standards.

15. Cultural sensitivity: Adapt health and safety policies to local cultural practices while maintaining global safety standards.

16. Environmental and social responsibility: Implement sustainable health and safety practices, considering the environmental impact of operations.

17. Communication systems: Establish clear communication channels for health and safety reporting, ensuring timely updates across global locations.

18. Visitor safety: Ensure policies are in place to keep visitors safe in global sites, including visitor management software and protocols.

19. Insurance and liability: Secure local and international insurance cover to protect against health and safety liabilities.

To discuss your global expansion ambitions and requirements, please contact our business development manager, Michele McCook, who is always happy to provide expert advice, guidance, and demos.