4.7 Foreign Travel
Foreign travel involving BSU personnel may range from students and staff visiting a country outside the UK as part of a course of study including fieldwork to individuals attending a conference or undertaking research overseas. All employers have a duty to ensure that their employees' activities including foreign travel are subject to a Risk Assessment (see 2.6). Identified control measures need to be taken and the risk assessment must be recorded.
Risk Assessment
The Heads of School or Department are required to ensure that the risks of foreign travel are assessed and recorded ahead of the travel. Copies of the risk assessments must be deposited with the Head of School or Department before the foreign travel is undertaken. The likelihood and consequence of foreseeable accidents needs to be included in the assessment and adequate controls and emergency arrangements need to be identified and implemented. The level of risk should be categorised as "Low", "Medium" or "High". Employees need to inform their line manager/Head of School or Department before foreign travel is likely to occur.
There is considerable information and competent advice on the internet concerning foreign travel. The following web sites provide important information that should be consulted when planning foreign travel.
- The Foreign and Commonwealth Office: www.fco.gov.uk/travel;
- The Department of Health for medical advice: www.dh.gov.uk/Home/fs/en;
- World Health Organisation updates: http://www.who.int/ith/;
- Travel information on climate and local conditions - Lonely Planets Travel Guides www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/ and World Travel Guide http://www.wtg-online.com/;
Hazards That Are Related To Foreign Travel Include The Following:
Health, Hygiene And Environment
Diseases or other health hazards in the area to be visited that require vaccination or precautionary measures, for example malaria, typhoid, diphtheria, high temperatures (hyperthermia), ultra violet light (sun burn/skin cancer), contaminated drinking water and food, cold conditions (hypothermia), jet lag?
Local climate conditions requiring particular types of clothing including hats, to be worn. In hot climates especially an adequate supply of clean bottle water is essential.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) can arise particularly during long sedentary periods as when travelling in the cramped conditions, such as during a long haul plane flight. There are mitigating measures that can be taken such as limiting periods of inactivity by exercising and walking about, wearing special socks and limiting consumption of alcohol whilst drinking plenty of water.
Emergency
Limited emergency arrangements are available particularly when in inhospitable areas. Consideration should be given to lone working or working in remote locations and the provision of a first aid kit and emergency medical backup, antidotes (snake/ insect bites) and other supplies.
There are arrangements for BSU staff to contact International Assistance Services in London at any time of day or night in the case of serious injury or illness. (See the Finance Department website - a Guide to claims procedures / Overseas travel.)
Communications Loss
A means of keeping in touch with sources of warning information concerning weather or strife in the visited area is recommended. The use of mobile telephones and access to radio reports should be considered, ensuring that the phone will operate in the areas to be visited -this is particularly important during an emergency. It is noteworthy that mobile phones that are programmed to operate in the UK do not generally function in the USA or Canada.
Transport
Travel by air using IATA listed airlines is usually regarded as being safe. The use of local taxis and airlines should be only used with caution. Where possible use government registered transport. In non-Western countries travel by road is considerably more dangerous than by rail.
Long distance travel is very fatiguing and is compounded by dehydration and change in time zones.
Driving can present unexpected hazards and should be undertaken only after appropriate consideration of the foreseeable hazards that may arise.
Crime & Security
As a foreigner you may stand out, so it is recommended that you respect local dress codes and religious sensitivities and try to blend in as far as possible.
It is worth finding out the character of the area to be visited
- Is it noted for its high crime statistics, including robbery, muggings and terrorist activities?
- is it safe to walk out alone or even accompanied especially after dark?
- is it unsafe to be seen wearing/carrying attractive items such as watches, jewellery, mobile phone etc.?
Working Overseas
The particular hazards involved where individuals are working, such as field studies or research investigations, should be identified and the significant risks assessed (as also applies for working on BSU premises) and the necessary precautionary steps taken.
The significant risks should be recorded in a written risk assessment, the form HS-RA1 is available for this purpose.
February 2005