Now that summer is here many of us will be using airports as we head off to foreign climes. This means that airports are busy for both passengers and those working within the aviation industry.
Around 200,000 people are employed in airports the UK and every year the Health and Safety Executive is notified of around 1600 accidents within the aviation industry.
Aircraft Turnround
In addition to the risks common to all workers in the UK, airport workers are at risk of accidents that are only really found in the aviation industry. One example of an industry specific risk is the risk of accident during aircraft turnround. The Health and Safety Executive note that a significant percentage of serious accidents that are reported happen during aircraft turnround. Turnround times have become shorter and many of the tasks involved are undertaken by different contractors.
The following activities can occur during aircraft turnround:
• Passenger disembarkation and embarkation
• Baggage and cargo handling
• Aircraft maintenance
• Fuelling
• De-icing
• Catering provision
• Cleaning
One recent incident at Heathrow Airport involved a ground support worker who lost a leg due to an incident whilst he was preparing an aircraft. On the evening in question a 70-tonne ‘pushback tug’ was being used to move aircraft from the departure gate. The ‘pushback tug’ was leaving the stand and whilst reversing the ground support worker was knocked over and his right leg was run over. The worker fractured his right ankle and his left heel and he sustained cuts to his head and left leg. The ground worker’s right leg had to be amputated just below the hip.
The investigation by the Health and Safety Executive showed that the tug did not have reversing lights or a suitable reversing alarm. The airline concerned was fined and found to be in breach of health and safety legislation (specifically the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998).
Mr Silks
A recent case handled by Bartletts involved Mr Silks who worked at a large airport in the UK. Mr Silks injured his back whilst lifting a large heavy item of luggage. Mr Silks received £4,000.00 from his employer when his case settled without going to Court. Bartletts acted for Mr Silks under a No-Win No-Fee Agreement and he received 100% of the compensation.
If you have been involved in an accident whilst working in an airport or in th aviation industry you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation on a No Win No Fee basis. Contact Bartletts Solicitors for free initial advice if you have been injured in the course of your employment. Successful claimants will keep 100% of their compensation; we recover our fees from your opponent’s insurance company. Win or lose you will have nothing to pay.
