High-Flying Risks: The Hidden Dangers of Working in the Aviation Industry
Latus Group
Because good health is good business. Improving the health and wellbeing of employees through industry leading solutions
Working in the aviation industry is demanding, requiring precision, endurance and resilience in a fast-paced environment. However, behind the excitement of flight, there are significant health and safety risks that aviation professionals must navigate. Understanding these challenges is crucial to ensuring the well-being of those who keep the industry running safely and efficiently.
MSK Risks
Pilots face musculoskeletal risks due to long hours spent in a fixed seating position, repetitive movements, and the physical demands of controlling an aircraft. Sitting for extended periods in cramped cockpits can lead to poor posture, resulting in chronic lower back pain, neck and shoulder strain, and discomfort in the legs and hips. The repetitive use of flight controls, such as the yoke and pedals, can also cause strain in the hands, wrists a forearms. Additionally, limited legroom and restricted movement during long flights can affect blood circulation. Addressing these risks involves improving cockpit ergonomics, encouraging regular medical assessments to monitor MSK health. These strategies help reduce discomfort, prevent injuries, and ensure pilots remain healthy and fit for safe flight operations.
Loud Noise
Noise pollution is a prominent hazard when working in aviation due to the noise produced from aircrafts and other vehicles on the tarmac.
"Accord to The Labour Force Survey, there were an estimated 12,000 (95% confidence interval: 6,000 - 17,000) prevalent cases of hearing problems each year caused or made worse by work between 2021 and 2024" - Health and Safety Executive
Planes alone create a large volume of noise at a decibel between 100-120dB when taking off. Persistent exposure to this noise can cause severe and permanent hearing damage. The risk can be reduced significantly with suitable equipment.
Contaminant Exposure
Contaminant exposure in the aviation industry poses a significant concern for both crew and passengers. Aircraft cabins can contain harmful substances such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ozone, and particulate matter, often resulting from engine emissions, cabin materials, and air circulation systems. In addition, aircraft contaminants like oil, mist, fuel vapors, and particulate matter from exhaust gases introduce a variety of health risks. These substances can cause immediate effects such as skin irritation, eye irritation from splashes or mist, and allergic reactions. Prolonged exposure, particularly through inhalation, can lead to serious long-term health issues, including respiratory problems, neurological disorders, and an increased risk of cancer and dementia. The cumulative impact of these contaminants underscores the urgent need for improved air quality management and protective measures within the aviation industry to safeguard the health and well-being of everyone on board.
The HSE Summary Statistics 2024 states that 13,000 of deaths each year estimated to be linked to past exposure at work, primarily chemicals or dust.
Drug and Alcohol Policies
Drug and alcohol policies in aviation are crucial for safety, ensuring that all personnel are fit for duty. These policies have a zero-tolerance approach to impairment, meaning employees must not consume alcohol or use drugs that could affect their ability to perform their duties safely. Aviation companies are required to implement pre-employment screening and random drug and alcohol testing to monitor the fitness of their employees throughout their careers.
Exposure to Infections on Flight
Pilots, co-pilots and on-board crew face an increased risk of exposure to infectious diseases. Long-haul flights often take crew members to regions where certain diseases are more prevalent, such as tropical diseases or respiratory infections. The confined spaces and proximity to passengers on flights can also increase the likelihood of transmitting airborne illnesses, further raising the risk of infections. To mitigate these risks, aviation employees are often required to receive specific vaccines before traveling to certain regions. Vaccinations may include those for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, yellow fever, typhoid, and other diseases that are endemic in certain countries. The requirements can vary depending on the travel routes, job roles, and the regions visited.
In addition to vaccinations, aviation companies need to provide access to medical support for employees who may contract infectious diseases while traveling. This includes offering travel health advice, providing access to medical professionals, and ensuring that employees are equipped with necessary preventive measures, such as antimalarial drugs or other health precautions. Regular medical check-ups and maintaining a strong awareness of global health threats are also vital to protecting the health of aviation personnel while ensuring their ability to perform their roles safely.
Night Shift Fatigue
Night shift fatigue is a significant health and safety risk in the aviation industry due to the nature of the work and the critical roles involved. Employees working night shifts, such as pilots, air traffic controllers, and ground crew, can lead to risks of decreased reaction times or injury without proper preparation.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) highlights that "any prescriptive rules are not a complete solution; aviation is diverse, and regulations alone do not ensure safety."
This reflects the complexity of managing fatigue in such a specialised field. Factors such as workload, environment, and individual circadian rhythms can all influence how well employees cope with night shifts. As such, it’s important for the aviation industry to not only adhere to regulations but to also implement a comprehensive approach that includes shift scheduling strategies, employee training on fatigue management, and awareness of the personal effects of working at night.
NHS Employers states "Working night shifts has about 25-30% higher risk of injury than working day shifts."
Mental Health and Stress
Mental health is a significant concern for aviation professionals due to the long hours of intense concentration required and the stress of holding safety-critical responsibilities. Pilots, air traffic controllers, and maintenance crews must maintain high levels of focus and alertness for extended periods, often dealing with complex and rapidly changing situations. This constant demand for attention can lead to mental fatigue, burnout, and anxiety, especially when combined with irregular hours and time zone changes.
The pressure of ensuring passenger safety and managing high-stakes situations adds to the mental strain. Stress from making critical decisions in emergencies, managing workloads, and maintaining peak performance during long shifts can contribute to feelings of anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for those involved in traumatic events.
To effectively address these health and safety concerns, a range of occupational health services is available to support aviation professionals. These services are designed to mitigate risks and ensure employees are fit for duty, ultimately promoting both their well-being and operational safety.
"Studies found that 233 (12.6%) airline pilots meet depression threshold, and 75 (4.1%) pilots reported having suicidal thoughts. Although results have limited generalisability, there are a significant number of active pilots suffering from depressive symptoms." - Environmental Health
Webinar
Each month, LATUS hosts an exclusive webinar for employers and employees, to discuss occupational health topics such as Women’s Health, Neurodiversity and Nutrition.
Webinars offer a wealth of benefits for both employers and employees, making them a valuable tool for professional development and staying up-to-date in the ever-changing world of work.
Our next Webinar has recently been announced, want to find out more? Register here!
The Vault
The Vault - Your Ultimate Resource for Workplace Wellness
The Vault is an exclusive service that provides a variety of resources to help you raise awareness on key wellness topics such as sleep health, nutrition, mental health, and more.
We have a selection of materials available for you to download and share with your colleagues.
Register for The Vault for full access >> Register Here