Some operators have folders on their destinations that contain information on local issues. Also, many foreign ministries (as in ministries minding the external relations of ones country) have websites offering summaries on other countries, travel warnings, issues to be minded by travellers and so on. While one may well argue that it is the employers responsibility to provide its travelling crews with as much information as possible, reason dictates that for ones personal safety, this information is to be actively searched and minded by the traveller himself. As a minimum, know where Your embassy is and how to contact it.
Generally speaking - when in Rome, do as the Romans. Be aware of local particularities before going. Mind local habits, customs and rules: if the tradition says that on a holy Wednesday, stale beer is to be drunk, stale beer it is. If socks and sandals are the required dress code for males, let Lagerfeld spin in his grave and wear them. And if You do not want to risk a run-in with authorities or are not really proficient in the local language, think before operating a vehicle Yourself. Often, a local hired driver is a valuable safety net, he knows the traffic rules and what to do in case of mishaps. Also, be aware of who and what building will suffer his or its picture taken without raising anger - a traditional beating or an arrest due to espionage suspicion are not in most peoples bucket list. Mind what You talk about to whom, general rules of politeness apply and slagging off the country You are visiting is not taken favourably. Also check the rules on tipping: what is strictly required in one country may well be an insult in another one. Applying Japanese, Swiss or Finnish tipping customs to the US would be met with about the same dislike as the other way round. If You happen to know a few polite words in the local language, as in some greetings, please and thank You, this is generally very well received.
Surely there are some more considerations to be borne in mind. But the above short list has served me rather well until now.