Gateway - The BBC Intranet
Gateway home
myRisks
myRisks Banner
 You are in: myRisks > International Work > International Working > Common Questions
Skip to main content

International Working
Common Questions

How do I ensure my contractors are competent?
Ask for evidence of; experience of the work required, any qualifications held (remember many qualifications are international) and ask questions to determine the knowledge a contractor has of the subject. If in doubt contact BBC Safety. Don't forget any insurance implications; for advice contact BBC Insurance Services.
 
 
How do I find out what local laws and customs apply to my work?
Good sources of information are BBC Safety, governmental websites for the country you are visiting and the International Labour Organisation.
 
 
Where can I get good H&S advice for international work? 
Firstly try BBC Safety.  They have much experience of international working and will know where to go for further specialist advice. 
 
 
Do I need to do a risk assessment for any foreign travel?
All activities with significant risks need to be assessed. Some simple trips may be covered by your departmental generic assessment. Otherwise see the BBC World Service generic travel assessment.
 
 
How can I find a good foreign fixer? 
Contact the International Filming Advice Team. The local BBC bureau may be able to help.
 
 
All I'm doing is grabbing a few GV's of a building/ mountain / etc. - do I need a risk assessment? 
All significant risks should be assessed before carrying out the activity.  In this case it would be best to cover more ordinary activities as part of your initial risk assessment or in a generic risk assessment.
 
 
Do BBC rules apply overseas? The scaffolders over here have never heard of 'scaff-tags' and the cherry picker company have never heard of 'statutory examination certificates'. 
If local regulations do not require certification as we do in the UK then BBC standards should be applied where possible. This need will need to be relative to the risk; for high risk activities such as these it will be advisable to get a qualified engineer/surveyor (local or not) to carry out checks and issue a report.
 
 
If I have an accident overseas, do I need to report it to anyone official there or just to my safety adviser back in the UK? 
In the UK we have a legal requirement to report more serious accidents.  This requirement may also exist in other countries.  To find out, you could ask your fixer, make enquiries with the local authorities or look at the relevant government website (possibly before you go).
 
 
Where can I get my vaccinations and travel advice?
Contact your local travel clinic who will provide you with up to date advice on immunisations and other issues related to overseas travel for staff travelling on BBC business.
 
 
What Vaccinations do I need to travel to .........?
The advice given will take into account various things.  This will include:
  • Where in the country you are going,
  • What you are doing there,
  • The length of the trip,
  • Living conditions
  • Seasonal variations - time of year
 
Do I need to take malaria tablets?
Occupational Health will advise you whether medication is required for your individual trip and how to take them.
 
 
Where can I get a First Aid Kit?
BBC Safety stores.  Sterile Needle packs and medication packs can be obtained from Occupational Health.
 
 
I have a pre-existing medical condition can I still travel abroad?
Those with pre-existing medical conditions should make an appointment with Occupational Health to discuss this as soon as possible prior to travelling abroad.