Flight attendants are at risk for serious work-related injuries
Being a flight attendant is not as glamorous as it looks, especially when considering the serious risks you face. The back, neck and shoulders are the most commonly injured areas among flight attendants, though almost any part of the body can be affected by serious in-flight accidents.
Common causes for injuries include:
- Turbulence and hard landings
- Lifting heavy baggage into overhead bins
- Items falling from overhead bins
- Pulling a heavy beverage cart
- Awkward movements required to maneuver in a narrow aisle
- Slipping and falling
The risk for injuries can increase because of the fast-paced schedule required by your job. Jet leg, working odd hours, having only a short time off between flights and eating unhealthy foods can increase fatigue, making injuries more likely.
What to do if you are injured on the job
Dealing with an injury can be expensive. This can be especially burdensome when the injury also requires missing work. If you receive an injury while working, your medical bills and some of your missing wages may be covered by worker’s compensation. However, to be eligible for these benefits you must follow the appropriate steps following your injury.
If you are injured while working, you should first determine if the injury threatens your life or a body part, like a limb. If this is the case, seek immediate medical help. Be sure to notify your employer of your injury in writing within four working days.
If your injury does not threaten life or limb, report the injury to your employer immediately. While you should verbally inform your employer as soon as possible, you will also need to provide written notification to your employer within four working days of the injury. You will have to choose one of two medical providers selected by your employer when seeking treatment for your injury, or your care may not be covered by worker’s compensation.
As a flight attendant, you face several potential hazards at work. If you are injured by one of these hazards, it is important you understand what your next steps should be to make sure you will receive all the benefits are entitled to.
