HOSTILE ENVIRONMENTS RISK ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST
This is a list of issues that must be considered when undertaking a risk assessment of a visit
overseas which may have potential to be a hostile environment. This checklist is based on
guidance provided by the Universities & Colleges Employers Association (UCEA) and the
University Safety and Health Association (USHA). This is not an exhaustive list.
BACKGROUND & INFORMATION ON VISIT.
Country & Area to be
visited
Dates/duration of fieldwork
Purpose of visit, including
activities to be undertaken.
Details of participant(s)
Dept organising or
sponsoring visit
Name and contact details of
organiser
ISSUES / CONCERNS
Up-to-date intelligence on the country/area to be
visited to include threats, local customs etc
Permissions & Documentation
Permissions to enter & work in proposed area,
necessary permits, visas and travel documents in
place etc
Health screening of individuals :
 Fit to travel and take part in project, any preexisting medical conditions which would require
urgent and immediate medical intervention e.g.
heart conditions.
 Individuals on existing medication – is it
permitted in the proposed country of travel,
emergency access to the medication.
 Location of medical assistance and back-up
 First-aid expertise
Health risks in proposed country of travel
 Infectious diseases
 Vaccinations require
 Prophylactic medication – e.g. malaria
 Medical insurance
 Arrangements in place for emergency medical
repatriation
Travel arrangements including
 transfers
 Reputable & competent carriers/ providers,
airlines, taxis etc
 Hire vehicle /driving
 Maps/ travel directions etc
ACTION TAKEN
 Jet lag and travel sickness
Accommodation arrangements
Safety, fire, legionella etc
Security –
 Personal safety
 Belongings and equipments
 Terrorist attack
 Political & social unrest
 Assault or robbery
 Credit card fraud
 Criminal activity
Language – arrangements for interpreters
Arrangement for staying in contact with
individual travelling:
 Has LSE dept got an itinerary for visit, do they
know where the individual or group should be,
at what time, mode of travel etc.
 Do they have details of the next of kin of
individuals participating?
Emergency plan – contingency arrangements in
the event of an emergency.
Do participants have:
 Emergency contact details
 Details of local embassies and consulates
 Local Legal support
 Emergency contact arrangements if mobile
phone fail – e.g. satellite phones
 Contact details of local support / mutual aid
agreements e.g. with other NGOs, Academic
institutions etc
 Emergency repatriation
Insurance – adequate cover for all likely
circumstances including terrorism
Competence of individuals travelling
 Do they have necessary skills, etc local
knowledge, language, defensive driving, etc
 Have arrangements been made for local guides
etc.
Training and information
 Participates given adequate training on
potential risks
 Pre-trip briefing
Equipment
Essential equipment provided, e.g.
 Tracking devices
 First-aid kits, including sterile syringes and
needles
 Torches
 Satellite phones, recharging batteries
 Protective clothing for adverse weather –
extreme heat, cold etc
 Drinking water, water sterilizing equipment
Have physical hazards been identified
 e.g. moving across extreme or hazardous
terrain, including watercourses?
Template prepared by Ann O’Brien
Head of Health & Safety at LSE
October 2009

Climatic hazards such as altitude sickness,
extreme weather or natural events e.g.
earthquake area
Have biological hazards, including
microorganisms been identified e.g. venomous
plants, insects and animals
Contaminated water or food, - food poisoning
Chemical hazards e.g. pesticides etc
Man-made hazards
 Electrical equipment
 Insecure or poor maintained buildings or plant
 Poorly maintained vehicles, vessels etc
 Machinery
 Attacks on persons or property
 Unexploded ordnance & IEDs
Template prepared by Ann O’Brien
Head of Health & Safety at LSE
October 2009