Page 27 - International SOS PR Report August 2024

8/14/24, 1:54 PM Latest News
health threats, including heat stress, which is the leading cause of weather-related fatalities and can
exacerbate underlying medical conditions.1 To ensure employee health and wellbeing, organisations should

provide clear guidance on heatwave preparedness, such as staying hydrated, avoiding outdoor activities
during peak heat hours and recognising the signs of heat-related illness.

Dr Ehab Chalabie, Medical Director, Middle East, International SOS said: “The excitement of summer travel
can sometimes overshadow potential health risks. It is important to understand that conditions such as heart

disease, asthma and diabetes can be worsened by warmer weather, leading to more severe symptoms and
sometimes complications. To mitigate these risks, organisations should encourage their workforce to consult

with healthcare professionals before travelling. These consultations help travellers identify destination-
specific health threats during summer and take essential preventive measures, including vaccinations,
hygiene practices and sun safety protocols.”

Gulnaz UKASSOVA, Security Director, Information & Analysis Mashreq & Iran, East & Southern Africa,
International SOS, said: “The surge in summer travel underscores the importance of prioritising employee

safety and fostering a strong security awareness culture within organisations. By conducting comprehensive
destination research, travellers can equip themselves with knowledge of local security risks. This knowledge
empowers travellers to make informed decisions and minimise their vulnerability to threats. Unfamiliar

environments can heighten the risk of security threats, emphasising the need for robust personal security
measures.”

International SOS offers guidelines for organisations and their workforce to stay healthy and safe whilst

travelling from the Middle East region this summer:
1. Pre-Travel Health Check-Up: Encourage employees to schedule a pre-travel consultation with a healthcare

professional. This allows for necessary vaccinations, review of existing health conditions, and guidance on
travel-specific health risks.
2. Destination Research: Advise employees to research their destination thoroughly. This includes

understanding local weather patterns, potential health risks, cultural norms, and security concerns.
International SOS offers a suite of travel advisory resources for various destinations worldwide.

3. Plan ahead and choose safe accommodation: When selecting a place to stay, use credible booking sites,
pick the location carefully and consider checking reviews from other travellers.

4. Highlight the importance of understanding traveller targeted risks: International visitors can be common
targets for pickpocketing and scams. Provide basic travel safety training to travelling employees.

5. Encourage employees to take precautions to prevent heatstroke: Promote sun protection practices and
remind travellers of the importance of hydration.
6. Inform employees of food safety risks whilst travelling: Food poisoning peaks during the summer months

due to warmer temperatures. Advise travellers to exercise caution with unfamiliar food and water sources.
Bottled water and thoroughly cooked meals are generally safer options.

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