Every industry carries its own set of risks regarding its workers, and the airline industry is no exception. From the smiling faces that greet you at baggage claim who weigh and lift your heavy luggage to place it on the belt, to employees working on the runway, who are often subject to loud noises and moving machinery.
The in-flight crew can also suffer work-related injuries by slipping and falling. A flight attendant tending to a passenger or passenger-related situation while the aircraft is in flight and experiencing higher than normal turbulence can easily fall. Working with hot liquids during flight, which can easily spill in the event of unexpected movement from the aircraft, can also cause an injury.
All jobs in the airline industry carry risk. The most common injuries in the airline industry include:
- Concussions
- Shoulder, back and neck injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Burns
Ideally, no employee would suffer from any of these injuries. However, when they occur, workers’ compensation might cover the expenses associated with these injuries.
In the event of an injury, the employee should immediately let the airline know that they were injured. Employers or employees can file a workers’ compensation claim, submit the required paperwork and hopefully the process will be seamless from there.
Upon approval of a workers’ compensation claim, the injured worker can recover for their medical expenses and any lost wages if they had to take time off to heal from their injuries. Employees can also seek their own representation in workers’ compensation matters, if that is something they choose to do, and sometimes is needed.