Every industry is different. The same is the case for every job description and the risks of any specific job. Jobs in the airline industry carry their own set of risks.
Their work involves less common activity than other jobs, which may expose an employee to different and sometimes higher risks than other professions. For example, being a pilot and flying a plane carries an additional risk than being a bus driver.
Airline employees
When we think of airline employees, we usually think of the airline staff at the ticket counter, where you get your boarding passes and hand your luggage over for transportation to your destination. Some board the passengers at the gate, others are on the ground, ensuring that the aircraft arrives and departs on time, and some work in-flight, including pilots, co-pilots and flight attendants.
Risks of injury
Working for an airline carries significant risks. Whether it is due to carrying heavy bags, exposure to falling items, the potential of slipping and falling while walking around the aircraft, dealing with passengers who are often irate, working with hot liquids and meals, the possibilities are many.
On top of these risks is the additional risk posed by dangerous weather and unexpected movements, which can easily lead to an accident or injury. Some injuries are more common than others.
In the airline industry, the most common injuries are usually:
- Head injuries (concussions, TBIs)
- Spinal injuries
- Shoulder/back injuries
- Burns
Unfortunately, many of these risks are unavoidable for employees because the activities that carry these risks are part of the job. Ideally, however, the airline will do everything it can to prevent accidents, protect its staff and, in the event of an accident or injury, assist with filing workers’ compensation claims to cover expenses related to the accident.
Workers’ compensation
If you suffer an accident or injury on the job, ensure that you secure medical attention immediately. After you seek and receive appropriate medical attention, or when you are in the condition to do so, document as much as possible about the accident.
Employers will often assist their employees in submitting their claims, mainly if they were present during the accident or when the injury occurred. However, that is not always the case.
Make sure that you submit your claim for workers’ compensation benefits as soon as you can, as you should be able to receive financial assistance to cover medical expenses and lost wages if you must take time off work to heal.
