Our guide to health and safety in the aviation industry

Ruth Nixon, Account Manager at Radiocoms Systems Ltd, sheds light on health and safety in the aviation industry.

Working in the aviation industry means that employees are protected by the same regulations as other employees, with some additional industry-specific rules that require special attention. Our guide to aviation health and safety provides a broad outline of the regulations that apply, with a particular focus on ground-based staff and their health and safety needs. These are the people most airline passengers only see in passing, if at all, but they are the backbone of any aviation concern. 

Interpreting the Health and Safety at Work Act in the aviation industry

The Health and Safety at Work Act (1974)

The Health and Safety at Work Act dictates the general principles that apply to worker health and safety. Various regulations show how people in different industries should deal with risks. The basics are simple:

• Employees should enjoy a safe working environment
• Employers must assess health and safety risks and address or mitigate them
• Employees must be trained so that they know how to work safely

Some on-the-job risks are well-known. For example, certain workers are subjected to extreme noise, such as that of jet engines, at close quarters. Mitigating the risk of hearing loss means providing effective hearing protection that still allows for clear communication. However, careful assessment of roles and tasks is required to identify specific details that must be attended to. 

Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations

Civil Aviation Authority Regulations provide relatively detailed guidance on how to manage workplace risks. Strict regulations and requirements for safety management systems form part of this. Regulations affecting ground staff include:

• Regulations for ground handling operations, including cargo handling, refuelling, and de-icing.
• Safety management systems must include detailed risk analysis and effective processes specifically designed to reduce risk.
• Standard operating procedures should become second nature to all staff. They are designed to prevent injury and ensure employee safety. 
• Safety training is required. It helps staff to understand and implement safety measures and emergency responses. 
• Certification requirements and refresher courses are specified for certain hazardous tasks. They aim to ensure that employees have proven competence to work in a way that protects themselves and others. 
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) mandates, such as the use of high-visibility clothing, are enforced. 
• Fatigue management is a key concern. Overtired workers are prone to mistakes and inattention. Regulations limit working hours and require adequate breaks and rest periods. 
• Vehicle and equipment safety also come under scrutiny. Provisions include regular equipment and vehicle maintenance and operational protocols for vehicles working on the apron.
• CAA security regulations call for robust protections to safeguard employees and members of the public. Body-worn cameras can prove an efficient tool for assisting security crews in their challenging and sometimes risky work. 
• Emergency response procedures, drills, and first-aid access are also covered. 

From working at heights to possible exposure to hazardous chemicals and collision risks, the aviation industry presents unique hazards that may cause workplace injuries or present health risks. However, through vigilance, dedication, and precision, much can be done to make your workplace a safe and healthy place for employees. 

European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations

Post-Brexit, the UK continues to implement many EASA regulations, including the detailed safety standards it prescribes. Its guidance covers flight operations, aircraft maintenance, and general aviation safety regulations. 

These include ground-handling regulations and aerodrome regulations. By using these standards, the UK is able to align aviation operations with EU requirements and need not seek to reinvent regulations that have already proved effective. 

Aviation health and safety and ground crew coordination

Without careful coordination, aviation industry workers may be exposed to dangers that go beyond those typical to the average workplace. Communication and careful coordination are key factors. Crews working on the ground must maintain clear communication with air traffic controllers, flight crews, and other teams so that they can orchestrate operations for efficiency and safety. 

Collisions, improper handling of dangerous substances, and delayed emergency responses are among the hazardous situations that may arise when communication is not clear or precise. This can present a challenge owing to noisy environments, pressured schedules, and rapidly-evolving circumstances.  

Overcoming this challenge requires communications hardware and software that has been chosen to operate effectively in a variety of environments, as well as the use of standardised terminologies that limit potential miscommunication. 

Radiocoms: Partnering with aviation industry players for enhanced communications and worker safety

Radiocoms supports the aviation industry with the tools it needs to stay in touch and well-coordinated. Workers can also be confident that emergency help is just the touch of a button away. Our presence at Heathrow and Manchester airports and our work with specialised aviation-related service providers have made Radiocoms a trusted aviation industry partner.

From two-way radios to body-worn cameras and hearing protection radio headsets, we help your teams navigate critical operations during their regular workdays. Allow us to support you and your aims for a healthy and safe workplace. Our specialised consultants are just a call away. 

For further reading:

The role of communications technology in enhancing aviation health and safety
Enhancing safety and efficiency for ground handlers
Radiocoms aviation services brochure

Read more about Workplace Safety.