The health of international workers duties of companies for their staff. Dr Richard Heron, Vice-President Health, BP International

Transcription

1 The health of international workers duties of companies for their staff Dr Richard Heron, Vice-President Health, BP International

2 Agenda BP at a glance Health risks from extreme or remote environemnts Business travellers fit to travel? anticipation & preparation What to do when things go wrong?

3 Introduction: BP at a glance One of the world's largest energy companies operating across six continents Underlying earnings of $3.8 bn. in 2011 Finding, producing and marketing the natural energy resources on which the modern world depends fuel for transportation; energy for heat and light, retail services and petrochemicals products for everyday items 106 % of reserve replacement Exploration active in 30 countries, 16 refineries, 21,800 service stations Employing ~ 83,500 people worldwide Established BP brands

4 Extreme & remote environment An extreme and remote environment exhibits extreme conditions which are challenging to most life forms. These may be extremely high or low ranges of temperature, radiation, pressure, air, water and many others. Human being highly resilient and adaptive

5 Extreme & remote environments

6 Health risks Personal Geographical location Physical Chemical Biological Psychosocial

7 Health risks - personal Extremes of age Acclimatization Physical fitness Sleep Medical conditions

8 Health risks geographical location Temperature & climate Altitude Humidity, air quality Standard & access to healthcare facilities Potential for natural catastrophes

9 Extreme heat & cold

10 Extreme heat & cold health problems management Extreme heat & humidity Dehydration Skin problems - infection, rash, skin burn Muscle fatigue Heat syncope Hyperthermia - heat stroke Extreme cold & wet conditions Chilblains Trench foot Frost-nip Frostbite Cold burn Hypothermia Prevention & management Health assessment Work practices Protective clothing Journey management Training & awareness Environmental controls Acclimatisation Food & nutrition

11 Standard & access to healthcare facilities Medical staff competence & training Site facilities, equipment and medications Response times Multiple casualties management Medical evacuation Communication Secondary & tertiary care facilities Supply chain

12 Health risks physical & chemical Physical Noise Vibration Pressure Ionizing & non-ionizing radiations Thermal environment Chemical Hydrocarbons Toxic chemicals Dust, mists, fumes Sensitizers Carcinogens Ergonomic including manual handling Prevention & management Task risk assessment Risk control hierarchy

13 Health risks biological Wildlife animals, reptiles, insects Snake & scorpion bites Dog bite - rabies Endemic/epidemic diseases Malaria, yellow fever, sand fly disease Food & water related diseases Hepatitis, typhoid, travellers diarrhoea, cholera, amoebiasis, giardiasis

14 Biological risks most common Snake facts Not all snakes are poisonous Snakebites itself are rarely fatal Preventive measures Comprehensive risk assessment Physical & chemical barriers Cementing snake entry points Managing snake hideouts Ensuring sufficient illumination Appropriate clothing & shoes Mosquito control Primary prevention Reducing human vector (mosquito) contact Treating vector breeding places Decreasing adult vector longevity Secondary prevention Awareness & education Personal protection measures Chemoprophylaxis Early diagnosis & treatment for resulting ailments

15 Biological risks Food & water safety issues Food safety issues Layout & infrastructure Raw material quality Transportation Storage Food handling practices Food handlers medical fitness Water safety issues Poor sanitation or lack of sewage systems. Lack of running water or poor water supplies Improper or inadequate water-treatment & monitoring systems Poor hygiene

16 Biological risks Food & water risk management Infrastructure Control measures HACCP system Raw & cooked food segregation Time & temperature control Cleaning & disinfection Water management Food safety inspections Investigating food safety incidents Food handlers health screening and vaccinations Education & training Tips for travellers Frequent hand washing Eat freshly cooked food Drink bottled, cooled boiled or appropriately treated water Preferably avoid salads, cut or ready-peeled fruit

17 Health risks - psychosocial Isolation Communication problems Cultural, local laws, religion, language Job design & organisation Leisure and recreation opportunities Stress factors Smoking Substance misuse

18 Business travel - anticipation & preparation Before travel Travel alerts Country risk level & guidance Cultural & destination info 6500 individual advisories in past 12 months Travel policy advice on health & safety Travel Booklets Travel health consultation - including vaccinations as appropriate

19 Business travel while travelling & on return While travelling General health precautions Travel medical kit During an emergency - ISOS On return Consult your personal physician as appropriate Share learning & experience with others

20 BP traveller - What & where help is available Travel health module Healthy travelling booklet