Companies have a duty of care to look after their staff at all times and this includes when they are travelling for Business (whether this is in their own country or abroad).  Employees also need to take extra care whilst travelling.  Here are some things to consider to help keep you safe when you are on your next business trip:

Company responsibilities:

• Companies should ensure their travel insurance policy provides adequate accident, health and emergency response benefits for traveling employees.
• Employees should have access to a travel assistance provider, especially when travelling abroad. They will be able to provide assistance in case of theft and delays and cancellations etc.
• Employers should establish a method for tracking employee travel and develop a communication system for emergency situations.
• Employers should carry out a risk assessment for any employees that are taking prescription medication or who have a known medical condition to ensure they are safe and fit to travel.

Employee responsibilities:

• Do not pack your passport in luggage that you are going to check in as this can either be lost or stolen. Keep it with you at all times and make sure it is secure.
• Keep a mobile phone with you at all times and ensure that the battery is kept charged up.
• Ensure any prescription drugs are with your hand luggage at all times.
• You may wish to keep some over the counter drugs with you too so that you can start treatment at the first sign of illness.
• Always keep your carry-on baggage in sight.
• Stay alert and be especially vigilant when travelling through a security checkpoint and whilst waiting in a lobby or terminal.
• Whilst on the plane always keep your laptop underneath the seat in front of you. This way you can keep it safe and it is less likely to get damaged than in an overhead locker.
• If renting a vehicle ensure you know how to use all the lights and know where all the emergency equipment is before leaving the building.
• Make sure all routes are well planned and only pull over in well lit, busy areas if necessary.
• Lock your car doors whilst driving and pack valuables and laptops etc. in the boot.
• Ensure you are aware of the local driving laws and ensure that you adhere to them.
• Stay on main roads and do not take unknown shortcuts.
• When staying in a hotel try not to stay on the ground floor as you are more vulnerable to break ins.
• Ensure your hotel windows and doors are always locked and make sure any valuables are locked in the safe.
• Make yourself aware of the escape routes, elevators and phones.
• Always check who is at your door using the peep hole and if you are unsure do not answer the door or phone to reception to check if it is staff.
• Whilst walking around do not talk on your mobile phone – you could be easily distracted and get lost or your phone could be stolen.
• Ensure all valuables are safely stored on your body and do not leave wallets in back pockets as these are easy targets for pick pockets.
• Do not forget to log on MyTeamSafe on your smartphone to stay safe.