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Musculoskeletal injury prevention project - Report on the flight attendant group
1150-20 A 1997
(97FS-35)
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Issue: |
Musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) to flight attendants |
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Agency: |
Air BC Ltd. |
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Representatives: |
Ms. Lisa VanDerDoe and Ms. Anne Logie |
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Funding: |
$32,170 |
The chance of getting injured on the job for Air BC flight attendants was almost twice as high as employees in general in the company. More than half of the injuries that happened to flight attendants was musculoskeletal in nature, which lead to injuries to the back, neck, and shoulder.
The Environment, Health and Safety Group at Air BC identified and assessed the risk factors associated with MSIs based on injury statistics, questionnaire survey, ergonomic assessment and job demand analysis. The investigation shows that although carry-on baggage handling was one of the risk factors, others including the layout of the galley, the trolley design and maintenance, and the seating for flight attendants might be responsible for the development of MSIs. The flight attendants should be educated on the potential risk factors and be trained on correct body mechanics. In addition, the Occupational Health Program and the Accommodated Return to Work Program should be made readily available to these injured workers.