Firms must prioritise health and safety of travelling employees

Organisations are being urged by health and security services company International SOS to prioritise the health and safety of their travelling employees. It said that with summer travel reaching record highs, particularly in North American and Western European regions, robust pre-travel planning and effective risk mitigation strategies are crucial for a healthy and safe summer travel season.

International SOS said summer’s warmer temperatures and the corresponding rise in outdoor activities create a heightened risk environment for health and safety, amplified for travellers with unfamiliar destinations, where individuals may encounter food and waterborne illnesses, vector-borne diseases and excessive sun exposure.

The increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves globally pose significant health threats, including heat stress, the leading cause of weather-related fatalities, and which can exacerbate underlying medical conditions. International SOS said that to ensure employee health and wellbeing, organisations should provide clear guidance on heatwave preparedness, such as staying hydrated, avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat hours and recognising the signs of heat-related illness.

The most common assistance requests from clients in the Northern hemisphere during the summer of 2023, according to International SOS, were upper respiratory tract infection, fever and urinary tract infections, as well as traveller’s diarrhoea.

Dr Katherine O’Reilly, regional medical director at International SOS, said: “The excitement of summer travel can sometimes overshadow potential health risks. It is important to understand that conditions such as heart disease, asthma, and diabetes can be worsened by warmer weather, leading to more severe symptoms and sometimes complications. To mitigate these risks, organisations should encourage their workforce to consult with healthcare professionals before travelling. These consultations help travellers identify destination-specific health threats and inform essential preventive measures, including vaccinations, hygiene practices and sun safety protocols.”

James Wood, regional security director at International SOS, added: “The surge in summer travel underscores the importance of prioritising employee safety and fostering a strong security awareness culture within organisations. By conducting comprehensive destination research, travellers can equip themselves with knowledge of local security risks, cultural nuances and common scams. This knowledge empowers travellers to make informed decisions and minimise their vulnerability to threats. Unfamiliar environments can heighten the risk of security threats, emphasising the need for robust personal security measures.”

International SOS guidelines for organisations and their workforce include:

• Encourage employees to schedule a pre-travel consultation with a healthcare professional, allowing for necessary vaccinations, review of existing health conditions, and guidance on travel-specific health risks.
• Advise employees to research their destination thoroughly, including understanding local weather patterns, potential health risks, cultural norms, and security concerns.
• When selecting a place to stay, use credible booking sites, pick the location carefully and consider checking reviews from other travellers.
• Highlight the importance of understanding traveller-targeted risks, as international visitors can be common targets for pickpocketing and scams.
• Encourage employees to take precautions to prevent heatstroke.
• Inform employees of food safety risks while travelling.