Rank: Forum user 
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I recently learned at our monthly staff meeting that one of our Directors has recently returned from a work trip to India to meet potential new clients. Nobody seemed to have thought this would be a matter of interest to the H&S Coordinator as UK H&S legislation does not apply overseas.
It seems to me that such activity would demand a risk assessment here in the UK, and that failure to do this could constitute an offence on UK soil and therefore could result in enforcement action by the authorities here. Do people agree with this or have I gone barking mad? Surely you colleagues in organisations that regularly send staff overseas must have H&S procedures in place in advance of such trips?
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Rank: Super forum user
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Yeo you are barking mad, seriously all you need to do is find out what specific H&S legislation requirements apply to what you will be doing over there. You must continue to comply with UK legislation for any activity undertaken in this country (thats a given) but find out what laws apply over there and if they exceed those applicable to the UK find out how to comply, ifr not comply with UK law and you are on safer ground. The important thing is what legal requirements apply in India and how does Uk law fall short of it.
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Rank: Super forum user
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I presume you are refering to safety of the individual (security) rather than actual H+S requirements?
If so we have country specific assessments and contingencies in place ensuring correct information and provisions are provided for travelling employees, these may include additional medical and security requirements depending on the country and risks.
Des
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Rank: Super forum user
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I'm with descartes8 on this one.
It is prudent and necessary to think about what might happen overseas. It would be wise to carry out a RA and consult sources such as the Foreign & Commonwealth Office website for their "advice to travellers". Non-manual work overseas shouldn't carry much risk outside of (personal) security and health issues but one wouldn't want to send a senior exec into a trouble spot without due cause and/or proper preparation. However, manual work will carry additional risks over and above those experienced here in UK e.g. local climate may increase the risk of heat related disorders - hence a special RA.
A recent case that may prove of interest is that of Hopp vs Mott McDonald &MoD where a civilian contractor sued both his employer and the MoD for compensation following injuries that rtesulted from an IED attack.
Phil
PS You may want to alert/discuss with your Employers' Liability insurers - especially for manual work overseas. And if would be prudent to ensure you have sufficient Business Travel insurance including medical/health cover, repatriation cover etc PLUS some Personal Accident insurance for any unforseen accidents e.g. during rest days.. speak to firm's insurance broker..!!
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Rank: Forum user
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Many thanks for responses, it is seen internally that the trip could have been better planned (i.e. planned) and I am drawing up a policy to help us do this better. The informaiton posted here will be very useful, thanks again.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Rank: Forum user
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These look very well compiled guidance thanks jay. I will review these when developing our own policy.
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