As the peak summer travel season is underway, , the world’s leading health and security services company, is urging organizations to prioritize the health and safety of their travelling employees. With summer travel reaching record highs, especially from the GCC and wider Middle Eastern regions, comprehensive pre-travel planning, and efficient risk mitigation strategies are becoming more essential to ensure a healthier and safer travel in the season. Summer’s warmer temperatures and the corresponding rise in outdoor activities around the globe are creating aheightened risk environment for health and safety.
These risks are amplified for travellerswith unfamiliar destinations, where individuals may encounter food and waterborne illnesses, vector-borne diseases and excessive sun exposure. According to reports, climate change is causing extreme weather around the world, generating record-breaking heat waves on land and at sea. This increased frequency of heatwaves globally poses significant health threats, including heat stress, which is the leading cause of weather-related fatalities and can exacerbate underlying medical conditions.
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 workforceto 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.
” The International SOS Group of Companies is in the business of saving lives and protecting your global workforce from health and security threats. Wherever you are, we deliver customised health, security risk management and wellbeing solutions to fuel your growth and productivity. In the event of extreme weather, an epidemic or a security incident, we provide an immediate response providing peace of mind.
Our innovative technology and medical and security expertise focus on prevention, offering real-time, actionable insights and on-the-ground quality delivery. We help protect your people, and your organisation’s reputation, as well as support your compliance reporting needs. By partnering with us, organisations can fulfil their Duty of Care responsibilities, while empowering business resilience, continuity, and sustainability.
Founded in 1985, the International SOS Group, headquartered in London & Singapore, is trusted by over 9,000 organisations. This includes the majority of the Fortune Global 500. As well as mid-size enterprises, governments, educational institutions, and NGOs.
Nearly 12,000 multi-cultural security, medical, logistics and digital experts stand with you to provide support & assistance from over 1,200 locations in 90 countries, 24/7, 365 days. Between them, International SOS employees speak nearly 100 languages and dialects in our Assistance Centres, Clinics, and offices. To protect your workforce, we are at your fingertips:.
