Aviation is among the most evolving and enthralling sectors in the world. It attracts people from all over the globe with its fast pace, high-tech developments, and sense of adventure. But like any other industry, specific health hazards come with working in this field.
This article examines some of these hazards and how they can affect your health if there is no proper management or preventative measures.
Slip and Fall Injuries
A slip and fall is the most obvious cause of injury in the air transport industry. Anyone who works on an airplane can be at risk, but some jobs have higher risks than others.
The cabin supervisor position, for example, requires more walking than other positions like flight attendant or pilot. This means that airline workers in this role are more likely to slip and fall amidst managing duties and information to and fro flight personnel.
In one example from 2018, a Ryanair cabin supervisor, Fiona Nangle, slipped on de-icing fluid. She was exiting an aircraft in Dublin airport after takeoff. She landed on the PVC flooring in the front cabin segment of a Dublin-Warsaw flight just after takeoff.
Nangle underwent treatment to fix a broken disc in her right clavicle. The physical damage was done, but she was wise enough to file a personal injury claim against Ryanair. She won compensation for her injuries which amounted to €84790.
Exposure to Toxic Chemicals
The aviation industry uses toxic chemicals in a variety of ways. One example is PFAS, which is used in firefighting foam (AFFF). The aircraft firefighters are vulnerable to the PFAS. PFAS is also known as the “forever chemical” because it comprises over 4700 heavily toxic chemicals. They don’t decompose and afflict myriad health problems.
When this active ingredient makes contact with human skin or eyes, it leads to inflammation; it can cause irritation and damage organs like the liver and kidneys. It messes with the hormonal, immune, and reproductive systems. The health hazards associated are serious. It can be life-threatening health problems ranging from chronic respiratory issues to various forms of cancer.
If you’ve been exposed to these toxic substances as an air traveler or employee of an airline company, then you have options available. You can sue the AFFF manufacturer for damages.
Filing an AFFF lawsuit will allow you to recover compensation for health expenses, pain and misery, lost income, and more. If you’re ready to file a lawsuit against 3M Company or another AFFF manufacturer, hire an experienced lawyer, and you’ll get justice just like Fiona Nangle did against Ryan Air.
Presence of Cosmic Radiation
Cosmic radiation is composed of powerful particulates entering the Upper orbit from space. These include protons, electrons, and atomic nuclei, also known as galactic cosmic rays.
Cosmic radiation can cause many health problems, including cataracts and skin damage. It also raises the risk of certain cancer types, especially among aircrews. As they fly at high altitudes, they are exposed to greater levels of cosmic radiation than those who work on the ground or closer to sea level.
As an airline worker, you can take measures to save yourself from cosmic radiation, such as using lead-lined goggles. It will reduce the amount of radiation reaching your eyes. Also, wearing a special suit designed to protect against cosmic radiation is another way to reduce the risk of developing cancer.
Prolonged Exposure to Fuel Vapors
Prolonged exposure to fuel vapors is a severe health hazard for employees in the aviation industry. It can lead to various symptoms, including breathing problems, headaches, and nausea. It also affects the lungs most of all. But it’s not just pilots who are at risk. Ground crew members also risk exposure to dangerous toxins when they refuel planes or clean their engines.
The best way to protect yourself from these hazards is by wearing a respirator that filters out dangerous chemicals when working around aircraft fuel storage tanks or engines that have been recently refueled. Consider using a vapor barrier, a material designed specifically for use around aviation fuels.
High Degree of Noise Pollution
The aviation industry is a loud one. To get an idea of how loud, consider this: on average, an airplane traveling at a speed of 500 mph produces noise levels of around 100 decibels.
In terms of sound intensity and frequency, this level can be compared to listening to a jackhammer from 5 feet away or standing next to the speakers at your favorite concert. The result? Chronic exposure can lead to hearing loss in both short-term and long-term cases.
Hence, it’s crucial to wear earplugs that work effectively. The OSHA) All employees exposed to harmful noise pollution must wear hearing protection while working.
Confined Working Spaces
Confined working spaces pose a significant health hazard to employees in the aviation industry. They are areas that are too small or otherwise difficult to enter, exit, and maneuver within. These spaces may be found on airplanes, helicopters, hangars, and other facilities where aircraft are serviced or stored.
The nature of these jobs makes them dangerous because they require workers to crawl into tight spaces where there is little room for movement. This puts them at risk for oxygen deficiency and fire hazards. Two things could easily result in death if left untreated by emergency personnel.
The most common example of a confined space is an airplane lavatory. However, many others exist throughout an airport, such as baggage compartments inside planes where baggage handlers work or under jet engines where mechanics access fuel lines/electrical components during maintenance checks.
Extended Working Hours and Lifestyle Choices
The airline industry is known for its extended working hours. Many workers work more than 10 hours daily and have little time to exercise or eat healthy meals. In addition, they may smoke and drink alcohol excessively. One survey found that most pilots who responded to it smoked cigarettes and drank alcohol while on duty.
These unhealthy lifestyle choices can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes mellitus (type 2), stroke, and cancer, all conditions that can be fatal if not treated early enough or at all.
Conclusion
As you can see, the aviation industry has many health hazards. Some of them may seem like they’re not worth worrying about because they’re not immediately life-threatening.
But over time, these issues can lead to severe problems that may require long-term treatment or even death. That’s why it’s essential for all workers, both pilots and non-pilots alike, to be aware of these risks and take steps toward protecting themselves.
