Working at altitude
| STFC staff may suffer effects from working at altitude e.g. fatigue, fainting, breathlessness etc.
Controls to reduce the risk
- Staff visiting the observatory sites, particularly the ESO Chile and JAC Hawaii, must undertake a high altitude medical prior to travelling, see STFC SHE Code 8 Travel on Council business.
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Falling ill or being injured
| STFC staff may be hospitalised.
Controls to reduce the risk
- In the EU staff should carry the appropriate documentation to allow access to medical facilities that are required.
- It is possible that staff could be injured or fall ill requiring them to seek medical services. All travellers should carry the details for travel insurance provided to STFC staff travelling on council business.
Details of the Insurance cover are provided on the UKRI website.
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Exposure to viruses, significant diseases and parasites.
(tetanus, polio, typhus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, HIV, Lyme’s disease, malaria, yellow fever, cholera)
| STFC staff could be infected and suffer long term illness. There are a number of modes of transmission i.e. Food bourn and water bourn diseases; vector-bourn diseases, diseases transmitted by animals (zoonoses), sexually transmitted diseases, blood bourn diseases, airborne diseases and diseases transmitted via soil.
Malaria is a common and life-threatening disease in many tropical and sub-tropical areas. There are currently over 100 countries or areas at risk of malaria transmission.
Controls to reduce the risk
- It is important to renew vaccinations against tetanus, polio, typhus, jaundice (hepatitis A) and hepatitis B, if necessary. Outbreaks of typhoid fever and hepatitis are common in the warm season in central Chile (December to March).
- Travellers must contact site Occupational Health services to arrange appropriate vaccinations at least 4 to 8 weeks prior to their intended departure to a country where the risk is high. This should allow the necessary time for any vaccinations prescribed by the doctor to take effect.
- Immunisation through vaccination and prophylaxis. Immunisation is not a substitute for avoiding potentially contaminated food and water.
- For malaria, be aware of the risk, incubation period and possible delayed onset of the main symptoms. Anti malarial drugs (Chemoprophylaxis) may be required to prevent infection developing into a clinical disease.
- Medical evacuation (contact details etc. required).
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Exposure to blood or other body fluids
| Blood transfusion is a life-saving intervention; however, it carries a potential risk of acute or delayed reactions to transmittable infections. Not all developing countries have safe blood and blood products available in all health care facilities. In malaria-endemic areas there is a high risk of acquiring malaria from transfusion.
Controls to reduce the risk
- Travellers should carry a medical card or other document showing their blood group and information about any current medical problems or treatment.
- Unnecessary travel should be avoided by those with pre-existing conditions that might require blood transfusion.
- Travellers should take all possible precautions to avoid involvement in road traffic accidents or other significant accidental injuries.
- Avoid contact between blood and body fluid and damaged skin e.g. cuts, or with mucous membranes.
- Avoid injury with needles or sharp instruments contaminated with blood or body fluids.
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Prescription medication
| Travellers could suffer from not being able to take prescribed medication which is needed to control a diagnosed condition. This could have serious implications and lead to a significantly higher risk of health issues.
Controls to reduce the risk
- Travellers are also advised to take an appropriate supply of any prescription medication; this should be accompanied by a written doctor's instruction, explaining the need for the medication and justifying the quantities required.
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Smog and poor air quality
| STFC staff, especially those with breathing difficulties or suffer from Asthma.
Controls to reduce the risk
- This could be a particular problem if the member of staff has any respiratory issues. Different cities can suffer smog conditions at different times of year. A city may declare "pre-emergency" or "emergency" states when the level of smog is dangerously high and takes measures to limit emissions. When the air quality is in pre-emergency or emergency state, children, senior citizens and people with respiratory problems should avoid trips to areas at risk of high smog.
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Damaged tooth or toothache
| Travellers could suffer significant discomfort and pain, resulting in stress, lack of concentration etc. Flying at altitude can cause issues for anyone with a dental abscess.
Controls to reduce the risk
- If you have any indication of toothache or discomfort it would be advisable to visit a dentist prior to travelling overseas.
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Loss or damage of spectacles or contact lenses
| STFC staff could become more vulnerable to other hazards if their eye sight is impaired.
Controls to reduce the risk
- It would be advisable to take an additional pair of spectacles or more than sufficient sets of contact lenses such that any loss or damage does not have significant impact on your visit.
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Pre-existing medical condition e.g. cardiovascular disorders, chronic hepatitis, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes mellitus, epilepsy etc.
| People suffering from underlying chronic illnesses should seek medical advice before planning a journey.
Controls to reduce the risk
- Carry all necessary medication and medical items for the duration of the journey. Prescription medications should be packed in carry-on luggage. However, all airline security requirements will also need to be followed.
- Carry the name and contact details of your physician with other travel documents.
- A physician’s attestation should also be carried, certifying the necessity for any drugs or other medical items carried by the STFC employee that may be questioned by customs officials and/or security personnel.
- Confirm whether or not you have adequate health insurance since some countries now require this proof as a condition of entry. Take a copy of the required information.
- It is often advisable to have a medical examination on returning from the overseas travel if you suffer from a chronic disease or experience illness in the weeks following the travel.
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Psychological health e.g. stress
| International travel can often be a stressful experience dealing with the impact of foreign cultures and language, significantly different environments and climate etc. The greater the range of stress factors may result in a greater risk for psychological problems. Mental health resources can vary from country to country.
Controls to reduce the risk
- Take precautions to reduce travel-related stress. This can be done by gathering proper information before travel. This will help maintain self-confidence and cope with the unfamiliar. It will also allow you to develop strategies to minimise risks.
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