Hazards
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Examples of possible control
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Health
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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
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- Obtain clearance from a qualified medical practitioner and advice on how to manage any health issues.
- Make sure you know the numbers for local hospitals/Doctors of your destinations.
- Consider carrying a small First Aid kit
- Check prior to leaving what vaccinations you need or medication to carry (e.g. malaria).
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Will you need to carry any prescriptive medication?
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- Check if certain medications are prohibited in the country you are travelling to.
- Carry medication in original packaging and with a Doctor’s prescription or letter.
- If you need to purchase more medication when overseas – have the scripts prior to leaving, use reputable brands only.
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Are you psychologically fit for the tasks you may be undertaking?
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- Have systems in place to manage fatigue or stress. Factor in sufficient rest days.
- Take contact details of someone you can talk to/resources you can access if you need to.
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| COVID-19 |
- Check vaccination requirements of the destination country before travelling.
- Carry PPE such as masks in case there is an outbreak.
- Have contingency plans in case you get sick or need to isolate – identify support people if possible.
- Know where the closest medical clinic is.
- Know what the local protocols are regarding COVID – i.e. need to test or isolate.
- Reduce your risk of getting COVID by using good respiratory and hand hygiene, social distancing etc….
- Avoid crowded places where possible- markets, public transport, share accommodation.
- Check your insurance for what may / may not be covered.
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Food and Water
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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.
- Is the water safe to drink - confirm at your accommodation provider.
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Security
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What risk to your personal safety or property might you face?
Think of your safety when working e.g. conducting interviews or observing groups
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- Make arrangements with the hotel to keep luggage/ belongings/ documents secure. Use money belts and other security devices.
- 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).
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| Are you safe in your accommodation? |
- 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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Local Travel
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Are you undertaking significant travel by road, rail, bike or boat when overseas?
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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
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Culture and Laws
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What aspects of the country's culture might place you at risk?
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- Wear culturally appropriate clothing (pack scarves, long sleeves etc.)
- Be respectful of cultural practices e.g. areas where male or females may not go.
- Check local laws around things like alcohol and medications.
- 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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Natural Disasters and Environment
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Will you be in an area prone to natural disasters - cyclone, fire, flooding etc.
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- Make sure you know where to access local information and updates.
- Have emergency contacts numbers with you.
- Ensure you know the locations of local hospitals & the Consulate.
- Consider carrying emergency supplies.
- Consider where you will evacuate to if needed.
- Contact the University and update your location and situation as soon as possible.
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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, coats, water).
- Make sure you check local weather forecasts if work is weather dependent.
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Work Conditions
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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 legislative requirements and work practices are the same.
- Consider taking appropriate Personal Protective Equipment or other safety equipment (e.g. harness) if you are not sure you will be able to source it at your destination.
- Ensure you have a local contact or supervisor who can provide advice on work practices/ procedures.
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Communication
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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, consulate, insurance company & emergency hotlines with you.
- Carry relevant University details to enable you to contact Supervisor and to “check in”
- Make sure your itinerary details are up to date and correct – provide accommodation numbers where possible.
- Make sure your Emergency contact details are recorded (i.e. your parent / spouse).
- Consider carrying a satellite phone or SPOT device for areas where mobile coverage may not be guaranteed.
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Field Work
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Have you risk-assessed any work involving field (or outdoor work), diving or boating?
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