International Travel- Hazards & Risk Mitigation
Hazards
Examples of Possible Risk Mitigation/Control
Health
Do you have a medical condition that
may be an issue when travelling?
e.g. asthma if you are going to a
polluted or humid environment or
triggered by the Flu
Will you need to carry any prescriptive
medication?
Are you psychologically fit for the tasks
you may be undertaking?
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Obtain clearance from a qualified medical practitioner on how to
manage any health issues
Make sure you know the numbers for local hospitals/Doctors where
you will be
Consider carrying a First Aid kit
Make sure you have had the required vaccinations
Carry medication in original packaging and with the prescription
If you need to purchase more medication when overseas – have the
scripts, use reputable brands only
Have systems in place to manage fatigue or stress. Factor in
sufficient rest days
Have someone you can talk to/resources you can access if you need
to
Environment
Will you be exposed to weather
extremes – extreme e.g. heat or cold
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Make sure you have appropriate clothing and supplies (e.g. sun
cream, water)
Make sure you check local weather forecasts if work is weather
dependent
Eating/ Drinking
Will you have access to safe reliable
drinking water/food?
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Arrange to find/ purchase extra water/food in towns before you travel
to more remote locations
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Use accommodation that you know is reputable
Familiarise yourself with emergency evacuation routes in your hotel
Only meet people in the lobby
Do not allow guests into your room
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Make sure you understand local road rules if driving
Try to hire or use services that are reputable and reliable - ask your
hotel or local contact if in doubt.
If you travel at night use an official taxi
Accommodation
Are you safe in your accommodation?
Travel
Are you undertaking significant travel by
road, rail, bike or boat when overseas?
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Communication
Will you be able to contact help if you
need to?
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Check whether you have mobile coverage/ landline access
Ensure you have the numbers for local hospitals, police, and
consulate, insurance company & emergency hotline with you
Carry relevant University details to enable you to contact Supervisor
and to “check in” if required
Work Environment
Will you or could you be exposed to
hazardous plant/ equipment, biological,
chemical, radioactive materials?
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Make sure you receive induction and training before working in these
areas don’t assume things work or have been maintained to the
same level as in Australia.
Consider taking appropriate PPE, monitoring equipment with you
Check whether there are specific precautions required to prevent
infectious disease e.g. Malaria medication
Security
What risk to your personal safety or
property might you face?
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Think of your safety when working e.g.
conducting interviews or observing
groups
Make arrangements with the hotel to keep luggage/ belongings/
documents secure. Use money belts.
Try not to travel or work alone (especially in remote areas), arrange
to meet a contact of the host organisation or others travelling for the
same purpose (e.g. other conference delegates/ research contacts).
Cultural
What aspects of the countries culture
might place you at risk?
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Wear culturally appropriate clothing (pack scarves, long sleeves etc.)
Avoid alcohol in certain areas
Understand places where you may or may not be able to access/
photograph/ interview or talk e.g. places of religious or political
significance
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See relevant Field Trip guidelines or Diving / Boating guidelines
available on the WHS web site
Field Work
Have you risk-assessed any work
involving field (or outdoor work), diving
or boating?
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