As important as it is to travel for work for meeting potential customers and closing deals, it is equally crucial that you pay sufficient attention to your health and safety needs.  Business travelers are expected to face different health risks compared to leisure travelers, according to CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). The nature of business travel is usually characterized by high stress associated with the pressure to successfully close deals with potential customers and a general lack of sleep and rest. Other safety concerns, such as travel accidents, are also a risk. For this reason, we have shared top safety tips that business travelers should consider.

At home

Whenever you are going on a 3-day business trip overseas, it pays to make sure that you do not leave any signs of being gone away for too long. Leave an empty house for a few days and you might get just the unwanted attention from burglars. However, if you take steps to show signs of life in your house, then it can go a long way in preventing any burglary incidents.

To do this, set a timer to your lawn sprinklers and lights so that it operates daily. In addition, if you have a newspaper subscription, then do not cancel it; instead, have it picked up by your trusted neighbour.

On the road

If you are traveling a long distance by road, go to great lengths to ensure that your car doesn’t break down or causes problems on the way. It is best to have your car checked by a mechanic to make sure that the engine, radiator, and braking system are up to mark.  Also, check if your car needs an oil change to avoid lubrication issues in the engine.

In addition, if you are traveling via a vehicle that is not company owned, it’s wise to use a journey management application such as SafetyIQ that will alert emergency contacts if an incident occurs.

At the airport

If you happen to travel by plane, make sure you never leave your hand carry bags anywhere at the airport. During check-in, don’t place them on the conveyor belt for scanning until the passenger in front of you clears security check. When you board the plane, make sure you do not put your laptop bag in the overhead compartment; instead keep it underneath your seat. This will help prevent the likelihood of your laptop getting damaged as a result of falling out during turbulence. You might even hurt yourself.

At the hotel

Many of the hotels provide special facilities to their corporate guests. However, there are chances that your work may get affected either due to a lack of rest or theft. This is why noting down the hotel security’s phone number in case of such emergencies is crucial. Also, if there is a security officer available 24/7, you may request to have him escort you to your car during late hours. Furthermore, taking adequate rest is essential for enabling you to work productively. So make sure you sleep a minimum of 6-8 hours to mitigate effects of a jetlag and work out in the gymnasium to keep yourself refreshed.

Watch how to manage the safety of your mobile workforce when they are away from the office.