Delta, AirTran Flight Attendants at Increased Risk for Workers Compensation and Work Injury Claims
As an Atlanta workers compensation law firm handling work injury claims for employees and flight attendants injured while working for airlines such as Delta Airlines and AirTran Airways, we were interested in reviewing the 2010-2011 Flight Attendant Occupational Handbook which is published by the United States Department of Labor. We are keenly aware that Delta and AirTran workers compensation claims are frequent, as our lawyers understand that baggage handlers and flight attendants are at an increased risk for injury. The Department of Labor Report was enlightening, however, as it reveals that flight attendants injuries are more frequent than previously thought.
The Department of Labor publication indicates that flight attendants experience a higher than average work injury rate as compared to all other occupations. The handbook notes that most injuries to flight attendants will occur while opening storage compartments or while navigating beverage carts. Additionally, however, the handbook suggests that many medical conditions will occur as a consequence of the irregular eating and sleeping schedules maintained by flight attendants. Also, the cabin pressurization and recycled air may contribute to certain pulmonary illnesses. Finally, we were somewhat surprising to learn that another major source of flight attendant injuries is unruly passengers whom flight attendants are compelled to restrain on occasion.
