3 things to know about airline injuries

Some jobs require a repetitive amount of lifting and bending. Over time, these motions can lead to repetitive stress injuries. These injuries can be not only painful and accrue costly medical expenses, but can also lead to a loss of income from having to miss work.

While the scope of work for many different types of jobs can lead to repetitive stress injuries — including office work and construction work — in this post, we are going to focus on some of the risks airline employees face.

Here are three things to keep in mind if you are an airline employee with a repetitive stress injury:

No. 1: Repeatedly handling passenger bags is hard on the body

Ticket agents and ramp agents handle passenger baggage, day-in and day-out. At the ticket counter, it is common for an employee to be standing behind a computer workstation, before retrieving a passenger’s bag, weighing the bag and then moving the bag onto the conveyer.

There are then systems in place to get the bag on to the plane. These systems may be automated, semi-automated or manual. No matter how the bags get on to the plane, though, the ramp agents overseeing or handling the process are at risk for injury. For example, even the automated process can mean reaching and pushing the actual loader, which can strain the muscles.

No. 2: There are multiple types of repetitive stress injuries

All too often people think of carpal tunnel syndrome when talking about repetitive stress injuries. However, carpal tunnel is not the only risk, as doing the same motions over-and-over again can lead to shoulder, elbow, ankle and knee problems, to name a few. No matter what the body part or diagnosis is — whether it is tendonitis or reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome — the pain is very real and can prevent a person from working.

No. 3: Repetitive stress injuries qualify for workers’ compensation

Airline employers in North Carolina are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance coverage. However, even though employers are required to carry this, part of the problem is that insurance companies are quick to deny a workers’ compensation claim. This is why those with work-related injuries are highly encouraged to seek out legal help right away.

At The Bollinger Law Firm, P.C., we handle all types of workers’ compensation cases, including claim denials. We act as advocates, fighting for the rights of injured workers.