OSHA Guidance Helps Business Travelers Avoid Health Risks

April 22, 2002
Nearly one-third of all international travel in 2000 was business-related. Recognizing this fact, OSHA releases a guidance that provides safety and health information for international business travelers.

Nearly one-third of all international travel in 2000 was business-related. Recognizing this fact, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released a guidance that provides safety and health information for international business travelers. The agency also has listed sources for guidelines offered by other agencies to reduce health risks.

"Many employees now travel to countries where they risk contracting infectious diseases that could be prevented through vaccinations and simple precautions while traveling," said OSHA Administrator John Henshaw. "Our new technical information bulletin will help international travelers take care of their health while they take care of business."

The OSHA bulletin suggests that international business travelers follow the recommendations for immunizations published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that are available at www.cdc.gov/travel. In addition, the new OSHA guide urges business travelers to consult the Department of State consular information sheet for individual countries they plan to visit. These country guides and other helpful State Department publications are available at travel.state.gov.

According to the Partnership for Prevention, a nonprofit health policy research organization based in Washington, D.C., there has been a significant increase in the number of Americans traveling to countries where infectious diseases are prevalent.

"Most travel-related illnesses can be prevented," admitted John M. Clymer, Partnership president. "We commend OSHA for urging business travelers to make travel health a priority and hope this bulletin will help prevent needless infections. Options for prevention are readily available through travel medicine clinics, occupational health providers and primary care physicians."

Some travel tips applicable for all travelers include washing hands frequently, walking and driving defensively and wearing seatbelts, avoiding dairy products that may not be pasteurized and eating only food that has been properly cooked. For example, OSHA recommends that travelers visiting developing areas drink only bottled water or carbonated drinks, avoid going barefoot, refrain from eating food purchased from street vendors and avoid handling animals that may carry infectious diseases-especially monkeys, dogs and cats.

Depending on the country visited, the Partnership warns that travelers can be exposed to a myriad of infectious diseases, including hepatitis A and B and malaria, the most serious infectious disease threat to travelers, according to the World Health Organization.

OSHA''s new technical information bulletin, "Safety and Health During International Travel," is available on the agency''s Web site at www.osha.gov.

by Sandy Smith ([email protected])

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeekEHS Today, Material Handling & LogisticsLogistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor:  Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.

Sponsored Recommendations

Navigating ESG Risk in Your Supply Chain

Sept. 26, 2024
Discover the role of ESG in supply chains, from reducing carbon footprints to complying with new regulations and enhancing long-term business value.

Understanding ESG Risks in the Supply Chain

Sept. 26, 2024
Understand the critical role of ESG in supply chains, the risks for hiring companies, and the competitive edge suppliers gain by prioritizing sustainability.

Best Practices for Managing Subcontractor Risk

Sept. 26, 2024
Discover how to effectively manage subcontractor risk with unified strategies, enhanced oversight, and clear communication for consistent safety and compliance.

Building a Culture of Support: Suicide Prevention and Mental Health in the Workplace

Sept. 26, 2024
Find best practices for setting up an organizational culture that promotes positive mental health and suicide prevention.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!