Hydro has implemented restrictions taking effect immediately on employee travel. These restrictions are based on the general uncertainty in the international situation, and not on threats specifically against Hydro installations and/or personnel.
The new guidelines emphasize that only imperative business travel should take place. All business travel is to be done entirely on an individual voluntary basis.
"Hydro's employees are no longer allowed to travel to high-risk countries," says Per Anders Oksum, senior vice president of Health, Environment and Safety in Hydro.
These countries are Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Iraq, Yemen and Somalia. It has also been decided that travel to other countries in the Middle East and North Africa will only be allowed after prior approval by the head of division or head of corporate staff.
Overseas travel and travel to the UK must also be approved by the head of division or the corporate staff in question.
Oksum points out that employees on business trips should be particularly careful and check the local situation with Hydro's offices in the country in question, as well as with local customers, suppliers or authorities. Airports with poor safety/security measures shall be avoided and only major, recognized airlines should be used.
Oksum also underlines that employees should stay away from high-profile American or Western targets such as embassies and military installations. Likewise, large crowds and circumstances where demonstrations can be expected should also be avoided.
"It is general global uncertainty and not specific threats against Hydro installations and/or personnel that comprise the background for these precautions," says Oksum.