Daily News
Travel reimagined - Changes to International Travel Risk Assessments
From: Jennifer Gartland
Valid from: Thursday 9 May 2024 to Friday 10 May 2024
Following the travel review conducted as part of the Service Reimagined Program, the Travel Team has some new and exciting processes coming into place now!
With the introduction of our Risk Management System, International SOS (ISOS), along with the Office of Work Health Safety & Wellbeing (WSW&W), we are able to introduce a new streamlined process to the requirement for International Travel Risk Assessments.
Starting immediately, the following changes to Travel will apply:
1. Travellers will no longer be required to submit a Western Now Case and Staff Travel Declaration for International Travel.
2. Risk assessments will no longer be mandatory for DFAT levels 1 & 2 destinations. Instead, travellers are required to download the International SOS app to their mobile devices, register their trip and complete an ISOS Travel Brief before they depart.
3. If, however, the travel destination falls under DFAT levels 3 & 4, travellers must still complete the Overseas Risk Assessment form to ensure safety and security measures are in place. This form needs to be approved by the relevant CAT 6 (Dean/Director) and submitted to WHS&W at whs@westernsydney.edu.au for evaluation.
Travellers are still required to create a Travel Request in TEMS to capture the necessary approvals and arrange travel via FCM. Please also remember that all approved international travel for staff and students not exceeding 180 days is automatically covered by the University’s overseas travel insurance for all business days. There is no need to seek separate confirmation.
Please note that the activities that an academic, professional or student may perform associated with the destination of their travel may need a risk assessment to document associated hazards, controls and responsibilities.
INTERNATIONAL SOS APP
The International SOS app has revolutionized the way risk assessment is conducted. This is an essential tool for preparing, informing and keeping yourself safe when travelling. No matter where you are, you will be able to access the latest health and security advice. And if you should need assistance from one of the International SOS experts around the world, it’s one tap away.
Please download the International SOS app - https://www.internationalsos.com/subscriber/assistance-app. Once downloaded, log in, register your personal details and trip details into the app. Single sign on is being configured and will soon be available to staff and students for easier access.
WSU ISOS MEMBERSHIP NUMBER: 12AGDA915576
INTERNATIONAL SOS TRAVEL BRIEF
Once you have received your itinerary, you are required to complete a Travel Brief before embarking on your trip. This brief can be found within the ISOS app under the 'Before you go - Travel Advisor' section.
Tap “Start New Brief”, follow the prompts and acknowledge that you have read all the provided content. Once you have submitted the brief, the system will generate a confirmation number and create a PDF document for your records. This process ensures that you have taken the necessary steps to prepare for your trip and have acknowledged the important information provided by International SOS.
DFAT TRAVEL ADVISORIES
This section describes the 4 levels of DFAT travel advice with the required actions and considerations: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/consular-services/travel-advice-explained
• Level 1: Exercise normal safety precautions.
• Level 2: Exercise a high degree of caution – requires additional attention to security and current health situation.
• Level 3: Reconsider your need to travel – Avoid non-essential travel as there are serious and potentially life-threatening risks. If you do travel, then extra precautions are to be taken to protect yourself. Any decision to continue this travel requires a signed Risk Assessment, WHS review and VC approval.
• Level 4: Do not travel – If you are already in this location, you will need to use your International SOS app to obtain further direction.
You are able to see what your destination country DFAT level is on Smart Traveller Destinations - https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations.
For any questions, please reach out to the Travel Team at travel@westernsydney.edu.au.