A risk assessment should be undertaken where any hazards are likely to be encountered. An employee of consultant should complete the risk assessment with the traveller to identify any likely risks and appropriate action to be taken. Risks can fall in to three main areas shown below but, clearly can come from any source. What a company must do is take reasonable precautions to avoid risk.
Health Risk Assessment
When an individual is employed there is usually a health assessment of general issues that they might have from day to day. If not this needs to be implement and monitored to protect the individual and the company.
When travelling the organisation should advise the employee to visit their GP before travel or if there are any personal health issues.
They can also be directed to websites such as:
which will advise you as to inoculations and medication needed in specific countries.
Country Risk Assessment
Before travel there should be a risk assessment of the country or countries of destination. This is to determine whether the country is safe to conduct business in.
Questions to be asking the traveller:
- Does the traveler have previous experience of the destination?
- Does anyone in the company have previous experience of the destination?
- What do the following websites advise you on the country?
If these websites advise you not to travel and you choose to send an individual there what evidence is there that you are complying with your duty to care?
Task Risk Assessment
The company - namely the line manager will need to assess what type of trip which has been arranged and whether the individual will need to complete specific training or require specialist equipment for the task in hand. If any activity goes beyond their normal job role then a risk assessment should be carried out to maximise protection to the individual and avoid litigation.