Newcastle University Risk Assessment
Note
Project or Module Title
PI / Module Leader
School
Travel dates
Travelling without appropriate risk assessment may prejudice subsequent insurance claims.
Travel to Bogotá in Columbia, South America. Travel for one month visiting other researchers in
Bogota and attending a conference
Dr Adventure
J Bloggs,
Travellers
School of Interesting studies
NA
Unit
21/09/2010 – 29/09/2010
13/08/2010
Date of assessment
Emergency Contacts
J Bloggs xx x xxx xxx xxxx
Arlington Place Cl 109 19-51, 0000 Bogotá - Tel to be confirmed on arrival.
123
Carrera 9, No 76-49, Piso 8, Edificio ING Barings, Bogota DC. (57) (1) 3268300
Emergency claims – Chubb Assistance: +44 (0) 207 895 3364 - provide a contact & policy
number: 64811698 for UG students and 64811697 for PG and Staff. Contact NU for all claims –
insurance@ncl.ac.uk Tel: +44 (0) 191 208 6520
+44 (0) 191 222 xxxx (School Secretary). +44 (0) 0191 208 xxxx (Manager). +44 (0) 191 208
Newcastle University
6817 (Security Control 24 hrs a day)
(NU)
Plane from Newcastle International Airport to London Heathrow International Airport on the
Travel Itinerary
21/09/2010. Leave for Bogota same day arriving 22/09/2010 Columbia Airport. Pick up from
Bogota Airport by colleague to accommodation and return journey. Employee based in Bogota
and not travelling to other locations. Leave Bogota Airport on 28/09/2010 and arrive in
Heathrow 29/09/2010. Use connecting plane to Newcastle on the same day.
Does this travel and activity present a significant risk to safety
Yes
No
Hazard 1
Accommodation
Risk to employees of theft and exposure to aggressive behaviour resulting in injury.
Risks
Risk of ill health, potential burns and fatalities as a result of fire and smoke inhalation.
 Use reputable hotel accommodation, FCO and NU guidance will be followed.
 Use available secure storage facilities for valuable items
Control
 Contact between NU and employee will be available at all times and used at least weekly.
Measures
 Emergency evacuation procedures and routes of evacuation to be checked upon arrival at accommodation
 Hotel security is in place, however, employee will remain vigilant at all times when arriving, leaving and
answering doors.
Hazard 2
Dealing with People and cultural differences
 Risk to employees and members of the public of causing offence and confrontation. Risk of legal action,
Risks
physical injuries e.g. head injuries, bruises and fractures.
 Research in preparation for the trip. Plan routes in commonly used areas and avoid areas of concern,
including cultural or political events. Maps and other travel documents should be taken and used.
 Be aware of crowded areas, opportunistic theft and cultural sensitivity.
Control
 Carry an adequate sum of money for the day; this should be kept to a minimum.
Measures
 If confronted hand over whatever items the aggressors request and report the incident to the police.
 Employees will travel with colleagues and in groups, will avoid government and military buildings.
Employee will not travel to deprived areas of the City, be out early in the morning or late at night.
Hazard 3
Extreme weather conditions
Risks
 Risk to employees of dehydration, lethargy, heat stroke and sun burn from high temperatures out-doors.
 Research the weather conditions and pack appropriate clothing / products.
Control
 Hotel and Conference Centre are air conditioned.
Measures
 Employees to keep bottled water available at all times.
Hazard 4
Dealing with infections and health conditions
Risks
 Risk to employees of infection, dehydration, lethargy, digestive/stomach conditions and heat stroke.
Contact overseas
Accommodation
Emergency Services
British Embassy
Insurance
Control
Measures
 NU should be made aware of any current health conditions prior to travel. Employee has Asthma and has
all the required medications including inhalers. Employee has good control and has discussed the trip with
their GP and will follow advice provided.
 Take precautions for food and drinking, pack medication to treat digestive complaints, Medical attention to
be sought where symptoms are experienced / persist.
 Immunisations required and advised by GP have been taken.
 The insurance certificate and insurance cover will be taken and made available if required.
Hazard 5
Risks
Control
Measures
Hazard
Risks
Control
Measures
Travel & Transport
 Risks to employees and public of road/air accident causing risk of theft, injury and fatality
 FCO travel advice checked and followed, use safest possible transport available. FCO LOCATE service
used. Control Risks website viewed and used for information.
 Reputable travel companies should be used, including taxis which must be fitted with seatbelts. Itinerary
planning to avoid travelling early in the morning or late at night. Missed connections should be
communicated to the conference organiser and ask for assistance.
 Luggage will be kept close and monitored at all times. Employees will store luggage in appropriate locked
facilities and check the luggage thoroughly on pick up.
 Employees not to hire mopeds or car.
 Electronic copies or photocopies of passport to be held where required.
 No travel to rural areas bordering Panama, Venezuela, Ecuador and towns or surrounding areas of
Buenaventura and San Jose del Guaviare, parquet National natural de la Macarena in the department of
Metra and areas of intensive coca cultivation
Additional Hazards or Information

 In the event of a terrorist incident, and where it is safe to do so, return to your accommodation immediately
and remain until the situation is stabilised. Follow local security guidance.
 The University insurance company will has provided a specialist risk report and this has been used to
inform the risk assessment process
 Employee will regularly view FCO and local news for any changes in advice and will follow.
Assessor
Name: J Bloggs
Signature: J Bloggs
Date 13/08/2010
PI / Module Leader / Line Manager / Supervisor
Name: Dr Adventure
Signature: Dr Adventure
Date 23/08/2010