5 Risk Management tips for Aid Workers

Often based in 3rd world countries aid workers and volunteers often have to work in a high risk, often volatile environment. This is due to general conditions, extreme weather and people who try to obstruct aid getting to their community in what usually is seen as a struggle for power.

Working in a remote place, in a foreign country can be a frightening experience and aid workers have to quickly adapt to their new environment in order to get on with the tasks in hand.

There are many ways in which their organizations can help them feel more at ease when it comes to working in remote locations.

The list below details 5 simple ways in which you could help remote aid workers:

1. Education
Where possible educate your workers on the surroundings and environment. What are the possible pitfalls and where might risk be an issue. The education process should include the provision of navigation materials and technology, communication processes and how to react in the event of a crisis breakout.

2. GPS Tracking Technology
To help your remote workers feel at ease you should supply them with tracking technology and communication devices. This not only helps the remote workers but gives constant communication between a central command post and the workers on the ground. It can also be used to help direct the remote workers to a ‘safe-house’ in the event of a situation breaking out.

3. Basic Provisions
Where possible the remote workers should be provided with enough food and water to last their assignment.

4. Basic First Aid
First aid training is of paramount importance. Should the worst happen it is essential that each aid worker should be able to administer basic first aid to help their co-workers.

5. Clothing and Materials
Remote locations, especially in the 3rd world are often hit by extreme weather conditions. It can be very hot in the day and very cold at night. It is important that the remote workers are kitted out with the correct clothing to help them through these conditions.

These are just 5 simple points which could make a big difference to your remote workers and teams on the ground. Just making these changes a huge difference can me and lives can be saved.

Track 24 provide Risk Management technology and crisis management solutions. The Pocket Buddy Personal Tracking Device is specifically designed to help remote teams, such as aid workers or military personnel