Health and Safety Policy

Our first concern is the reduction of risk to health and safety as far as practically possible. socialtours & socialtreks has adopted a six-point health & safety policy which can be found below.

We have strong relationships with local and national health care facilities should any assistance be required resulting from an incident or situation. Our clients and staff are assured that they are never alone and always have someone to turn to in the immediate location and are not expected to rely on a representative hundreds of miles away.The principles and ethos of socialtours & socialtreks are paramount to the company’s excellent safety record.

Six Point Health and Safety Policy:

I. Provision of relevant health and safety information to all volunteers before they arrive in-country.

1. All volunteers, staff and clients are instructed to contact their doctors or travel clinics to ascertain the most recent information on the immunisations and prophylactic medications required before entering the country.

2. Specific information is also provided, both written and verbal, on necessary equipment for activities such as trekking, climbing, medical work, teaching and safari’s. Also information on local politics and culture.

3. Information is also given on all our projects and trips regarding social responsibility. People’s role and responsibility in their new society is explained, as they will often be immersed in delicate cultures, which can easily be upset through ignorance or through what is socially acceptable behaviour in their home country. 



II. Ensuring that appropriate staff are employed on the projects or regions where we operate and that all field staff and group leaders are trained in safe operating procedures.

1. All staff have to go through an verbal detailed briefing, which includes training in the relevant procedures. Direct staff are also already trained in specialist techiniques like those required for High Altitude Sickness

III. Identification of the risks associated with activities and locations, as well as the development of measures to minimise these risks.

1. Risk assessments are produced for locations visited or were activity or work is carried out..

2. All staff are required to consult these reports before visiting a new site, undertaking a new activity or participating in a new project. The risk assessments are aimed to be continually evaluated and updated.

IV. Development and implementation of safe operating procedures for each of the activities undertaken

1. Procedures to ensure trekking teams remain in contact with all the members of the group are practised and there is always a staff member at the front and the back of each trek team.

2. Additional procedures cover activities such as safe driving, hygiene and many other aspects of trips, projects and expeditions, which are covered in trip specific risk assessments.

3. We develop strong relationships with guides, porters and National Authorities governing safe operating procedures and contingency plans should a situation arise.

4. socialtours & socialtreks uses staff and trip leaders who it has long term relationships with who have been taught by the company to act, think and be safe and aware at all times.

V. Ensuring there are adequate communication, medical and evacuation procedures in position

1. All in-country transportation is carried out by professional transporters using safe vehicles

2. All teams have to carry a First Aid kit with them.

3. There are hospitals with good facilities for all possible injuries in Kathmandu and also in certain places on the trekking routes. We are aware of them and use them when nescessary

4. Evacuation procedures are standard and well known to all members of the team

5. In all areas where we work communication is possible by either mobile, landline or satellite phone.

VI. Training of all volunteers / clients on arrival in the safe operating procedures, and acquainting them with the medical facilities available.

1. All clients / volunteers on arrival are given a general health and safety briefing.