June is peak time for safety conferences. Like most safety professionals, you probably attend at least one out-of-town conference a year. Conferences are a valuable part of your training, providing up-to-date advice, networking opportunities and a chance to inspect the latest safety gadgets. You might even be tabbed to speak at an upcoming conference.

But how would you feel attending a workshop or addressing an audience while wearing a cast? It could happen. After all, travel means rushing for planes, juggling your workload and adapting to a different time zone. All of these things can be distracting. And, as a safety professional, you know better than anybody that distractions are often the precondition for accidents.

So we want to take a few moments to remind you to stay focused and to offer a few tips to keep in mind when traveling to and from a conference. Some of them are safety-related; others are designed to make travel a less stressful experience.

For Your Flight

Here are a few pointers to survive an airline flight with your body and sanity intact:

• Pack within the airline’s baggage size and weight limits. Most airlines now charge $25 to $50 extra per overweight checked bag and many won’t allow you to board with oversized “cabin baggage.”

• Before going to the airport, check that your flight’s on schedule. Most airlines have a toll-free number and website information. Some let you sign up to receive an e-mail alert if delays occur.

Follow the recommended guidelines for airport arrival times:

• • 60 minutes with only carry-on baggage
  • 90 minutes if you plan to check bags
  • At least two hours prior to international flights
  • Plus a 30-minute “fudge factor” for traffic or parking lot problems.
• Collect your boarding pass at least 30 minutes before domestic flights and 45 minutes before international flight, and be at your gate at least 20 minutes before boarding time (30 minutes for international). Otherwise your reservation may be cancelled.

• Many airlines let you check security lineup times for various dates online; and in some airports, Frequent-Flyer-Plan passengers can use special security lines. Checking yourself in via Internet or self-service kiosks may also shorten the wait.

• Upon landing don’t race for your baggage. It’ll arrive at the same time as everyone else’s. Rushing only increases your chances of slipping or tripping.

• If you hail a cab, note the name of the company and don’t ride with a driver you don’t trust. Stay on the sidewalk, let the driver stow your bags and enter the car from the curb to avoid traffic.

At the Conference

• Your hotel room number is confidential information. To keep it that way, ask the desk clerk not to announce it and don’t write your room number on conference attendee lists. And, of course, never lend your room key or card to anyone.

• Arrange to store important papers and other items in a hotel safe deposit box.

• If someone suspicious gets into elevator line behind you, or into the elevator, get out and contact hotel security.

• Once in your room, don’t open the door to anyone you don’t know. If they claim to be staff or emergency personnel, check with the front desk. Take your room service tray from the delivery person at the door instead of having them come into the room.

• On your room door is emergency information. Take a moment to read it. Know your nearest fire exit and what to do in an emergency.

• When going out, ask the hotel desk staff about the safety of the area. Is it safe to walk alone there at night? Carry just enough cash, or none, and no more than one credit card. Wrap rubber bands around your wallet and wear shoulder bags across your chest to stop pickpockets and bag snatchers.

• Never wear conference badges and nametags outside the conference room or meeting.

• If you’re alone, walk close to a group as though you’re with them. Stay alert and walk with confidence. If you need to look at maps, step into a building.

Conclusion

As any seasoned safety professional knows, the number one rule is to listen to your gut. Never second-guess your instincts; don’t let fear of being impolite stop you from staying safe. It’s easier to apologize than to recover. Travel safe and we’ll see you in Seattle.

Company Security

Pop Quiz

Question: What percentage of office workers admit to taking office supplies for their own personal use?

a. 12%
b. 41%
c. 58%
d. 77%

Answer: c - 58%.

A recent Harris Interactive survey (commissioned by LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell's lawyers.com) found that more than half of employees working in an office admitted to taking office supplies for their own personal use. Some of the most popular items to steal are not surprising, with pens, pencils, "sticky" notes and paperclips topping the list. But 2% of the respondents admitted to stealing beyond the basic office supplies. They're sneaking home plants, paintings, furniture, computers and software.

According to lawyers.com, employee theft can be a very expensive problem for some companies, particularly if the items stolen include classified information, patents or client contacts.

(Source: LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell's Lawyers.com)

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