Checklist: protecting employees on new overseas assignments

Despite international travel concerns, organisations are still sending employees overseas. The following is a list of international health and safety questions for the risk manager to consider.

MEDICAL
1. Has the employee had a recent successful physical examination? Is the treating physician aware that the patient will be out of the country for an extended period of time? Are there health care risks that are more significant if the employee does not have access to Western health care?

2. Are Western-standard health care facilities available in the area?

3. Is there a need for additional testing that would not be routine if the employee were staying locally: PPD, HIV, other?

4. Does the employee have any chronic illness that requires medication, special diet, regular treatments, follow-up diagnostics, on-going consultation, or equipment?

5. Is there any psychiatric/emotional illness or history of drug or alcohol abuse?

6. Should an occupational medical doctor specialising in international health issues review the individual medical history?

7. Are there any immunizations that should be considered for the assignment? Some immunizations take considerable lead-time for medical clearance.

8. Should the employee take any medication as prophylaxis, i.e. antibiotics?

9. Would changes in vision or hearing impact the work to be done? Does the employee have an extra pair of glasses to take? Does the employee wear a hearing aid and does she/he have extra batteries?

10. Will there be any local health risks in the area that could impact health, i.e. air pollution, altitude, extreme weather conditions?

11. Does the company have 24-hour contacts available to the expat. in case of emergency?

12. How do local staff deal with medical problems?

SECURITY
1. Are there political/civil unrest/security issues? How do expats. stay informed of security issues?

2. Is there a need for local vigilance? What is the contingency plan if need arises?

3. Are travellers/expatriates welcome in the area or should they maintain a low profile?

4. Are passports up to date?

5. Do they need to register with their embassy? Should they keep cash on-hand for emergencies?

MEDEX began helping travellers and expatriates in 1977 and is a leader in travel assistance and international medical insurance. To learn more about MEDEX visit www.medexassist.com

•Date: 2nd April 2004 •Region: Worldwide •Type: Article •Topic: BC general
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