Feb 13, 2019

Business Travel Safety Tips

If traveling for business purposes is part of your job, you must do your best to make sure you arrive at your destination and return home safely. Whether you are traveling by airplane or vehicle, there is a wide range of risk for injury, such as suffering an illness, sustaining an injury in an accident, or experience medical complications while traveling. In each phase of your trip, you must consider many things to protect yourself from any sort of harm while you’re away.

Here are several safety tips to consider before you leave for your business trip:

  • Research your destination by learning what to expect when you arrive, what you can do around your hotel, which parts of the city or town you wish to explore, the weather conditions to pack and dress accordingly, and the type of food available to avoid suffering an allergy attack.
  • If you plan on traveling abroad, check the State Department website for any warnings regarding that specific country. The website also offers tips for traveling abroad. Consider purchasing an international phone plan in the event of an emergency.
  • Leave photocopies of your important documents such as your passport, itinerary, tickets, and credit/debit cards with a loved one or friend. Then carry your photo ID and the emergency contact’s information in the event of an emergency.
  • Leave unnecessary credit cards and costly items at home. Only take a debit card and petty cash.
  • Check with your doctor if you require pre-trip medical treatment and carry all prescription medication in their original containers.

The following are several safety tips during travel:

  • Keep your cell phone, phone cards, and emergency contacts with you at all times in the event of an emergency.
  • If possible, travel with a companion or stay in groups, especially if you are going to an area known for thefts, pickpockets, and even kidnapping.
  • Travel lightly and avoid carrying designer luggage to draw attention.
  • Attempt to blend in with the locals so you don’t stick out like a sore thumb.
  • Avoid contact with other passengers to prevent falling ill.

The following are some safety tips when you arrive at your destination:

  • Retrieve your baggage and do not leave it unattended.
  • Learn or save the hotel security’s phone number and ask if they are available 24/7.
  • Avoid giving out your room number or allow someone to overhear your room number.
  • If room service or housekeeping knock on your door unannounced, contact the front desk to verify prior to opening the door.
  • Always keep your cell phone charged.
  • Avoid drinking excessively, since being drunk can weaken your defenses and cloud or judgment.
  • Avoid befriending strangers and inviting them to your hotel room.
  • If you have time to see the city or town, use concierge’s services rather than explore on your own.

If you have suffered an injury while on a business trip, remember you are covered by workers’ compensation since you are performing business duties on behalf of your employer. However, if you suffer an injury while sightseeing or intoxicated, then you may not be eligible for workers’ comp benefits.

For more information, contact our Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyers at Hansford McDaniel – Workers’ Compensation Attorneys today.