In 2023, The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that there have been 18 workplace deaths in the air transportation industry. The rate of injury and illness cases per 100 full-time workers is at 6.3% as of 2023.
Worker’s compensation helps employees gain the financial capacity to meet their daily needs after suffering from an injury at the workplace. It also applies if the injury sustained happened as a result of work-related duties.
According to an airline workers’ compensation lawyer, the North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act requires companies that employ more than three workers to avail workers’ compensation insurance if ever one of their employees gets injured on the job. Someone who works in the airline industry may experience any of the common injuries, such as slip and fall injuries, hearing loss, repetitive stress injuries, and cancer.
This article will look into the entire process of claiming worker’s compensation benefits to compensate for your loss and rehabilitation when you’re working in the airline industry.
Overview of Workers’ Compensation in the Airline Industry
Understanding financial loss and rehabilitation is considered an important aspect of facilitating your healing process if you have sustained injuries at the workplace.
An independent workers’ compensation policy is unique to every airline. Any injury must be reported to your supervisor. Your employer should then instruct you on the claims steps.
Stay educated by understanding your rights and responsibilities to help you get what you are entitled to.
Common Injuries Faced by Airline Employees
Understanding the common injuries sustained by airline employees is important for your safety, as it will be beneficial for payments for analysis, impairment, injury, and work-related concerns.
Accidents like slipping, tripping, or falling on a busy or wet terminal floor contribute to incidents that are often considered justifiable for compensation. Weather conditions, such as frostbite and heat exhaustion, are also included.
Machines and equipment on aircraft workers can cause cuts or bruises. Stress-related health problems as a result of working long hours and tight schedules are common among airline employees. These problems can affect their mental and physical health. In some cases, seizures or strokes can happen to airline employees.
Is a stroke at work covered by workers’ compensation? A stroke injury lawyer in CA says that in the occurrence of a stroke at work or if it is due to the victim’s nature of work, the victim has a high chance to qualify for worker’s compensation benefits or other disability benefits if they cannot return to work after the stroke.
Knowing these hazards helps maintain the health and safety of the environment in the workplace.
Employees’ Rights Under Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation laws protect your rights in case of any work injury to the airline worker.
You should get treatment for your injury paid for by the employer. In case your injuries prevented you from working, wage replacement benefits could also be available.
Report your injury right away for it to be insured against. In case of a rejected claim, the injured party may initiate an appeal. The employee can take action against the employer for retaliation for filing the claim.
The Claims Process for Airline Workers
Immediately report the injury to your supervisor so your employer can take proper actions and properly record the incident.
Have your injuries assessed by a doctor. Keep all your records and bills.
File a workers’ compensation claim against your employer’s insurance company after you have reported the incident. Do not forget to submit all necessary documents, such as medical reports and descriptions of the incidents.
Keep on following up about the status of your claim. Stay organized and proactive throughout this process to be successful in your claim.
Preventative Measures and Safety Protocols in Aviation
Safety in the work environment means a lot to airline employees since it also entails prevention of injuries. Always follow established protocols and stay knowledgeable on how to apply them through training.
Dressing in proper PPE is also a requirement, regardless of engaging in baggage handling or checks for maintenance.
Airline companies implement rigorous measures such as regular inspections and safety audits at regular intervals to identify potential hazards. In emergency situations, maintain presence of mind and be aware of the importance of the time.
Empower yourself with the knowledge about safety protocols. Report unsafe conditions so that the airline company is given enough time to address these hazards. Maintaining open and responsive communication with your team reduces the risks involved in most flights.
