The Law Office of James M. Hoffmann can provide you with the necessary information to make the right choices to receive the best medical care, benefits, and income.
Every time we travel by plane, we are surrounded by people working for the airline industry, from security workers to flight attendants to baggage handlers. These workers experience injuries for many reasons and in various places, such as in the terminal, on the tarmac, and in the air. According to the Flight Safety Foundation, the airline industry is among the most hazardous.
If you work in the airline industry and have been injured on the job, you must understand your workers’ compensation rights. The Law Office of James M. Hoffmann can help. We can provide you with the necessary information to make the right choices to receive the best medical care, benefits, and income.
Common Causes of Airline Industry Injuries
There are so many different types of workers in the airline industry. Some jobs require more physical tasks than others. There is also a variety of workplace environments for accidents to take place in. Some of the common cause include:
- Handling uneven loads
- Handling large, heavy, or odd-shaped luggage
- Twisting and bending while loading luggage
- Cleaning or servicing the aircraft while getting ready for the next flight
- Mechanical errors
- Slippery pavements
- In-flight turbulence
- Being struck by equipment or a vehicle
- Shift worker disorder
Risks Within the Airline Industry
Each job within the airline industry comes with its own set of risks. For instance, ramp agents and ground crew are tasked with loading, unloading, assisting with aircraft pushback and towing, servicing aircraft, and many other things. These jobs are often strenuous and result in injury. Noise exposure from the aircraft, baggage handling equipment, and fuel trucks can lead to hearing loss.
Gate agents and crew have hectic jobs that can easily lead to workplace accidents. Job-induced stress is a common workplace issue many in this job experience. Stress dealing with passengers and the fast-paced job requirements can lead to accidents like slip and fall and other accidents due to fatigue and inattention.
Finally, flight attendants are subject to a wide variety of workplace injuries. They often suffer from shift work disorder as they generally work crazy schedules, which can change week to week. They also are prone to repetitive strain injuries, which affect nerves, muscles, and tendons.
Slip, Trip and Fall Accidents
These injuries can occur anywhere, but they’re especially common in airports where lots of people are rushing around. With the added factor of luggage and equipment, it’s not surprising that these accidents happen. In addition, wet floors, loose carpets, and cluttered walkways can all contribute to slip, trip, and fall accidents.
Musculoskeletal Injuries
These types of injuries are caused by repetitive motions or lifting heavy objects. They’re common among ground crew members who have to load and unload baggage and cabin crew members who have to lift passengers’ bags into the overhead bins.
Exposure to Hazardous Materials
Airport workers are often exposed to harmful chemicals, including jet fuel and de-icing fluids. These chemicals can cause skin irritation, respiratory problems, and other health issues.
Stress
The fast pace and high pressure of working in the airline industry can lead to stress-related problems like anxiety and depression. Add to that the long shifts and irregular hours, and it’s no wonder that airline workers are at risk of burnout.
Noise-Related Injuries
Airport workers are exposed to high levels of noise from aircraft engines, ground equipment and other sources. While it’s all part and parcel of the job, this noise can cause hearing problems over time. It can also cause other health problems like tinnitus, stress, and sleep disruption.
Workers’ Comp for Your Injuries
If you work in the airline industry and have suffered a work-related injury, contact the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann. We can provide you with the necessary information to make the right choices to receive the best medical care, benefits, and income. Our experienced workers’ compensation lawyers can stop the insurance carrier and employer from harassing you into returning to work before your doctor says that you are ready to return to work.