Improving Safety in Alaska Commercial Aviation
Alaska has the 5th highest rate of non-fatal occupational injury and illness in the US, and the rates of non-fatal occupational injuries and illnesses for Alaskans are higher than for all US workers in twelve out of thirteen reported industry sectors. The health burden, medical costs, and cost of work loss resulting from non-fatal occupational injury and illness are substantial.
The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development received over 320,000 reports of occupational injury or illness which cost more than $3 billion in workers’ compensation benefits from 2000-2013, Mechanics and ramp/baggage/cargo agents made up the largest number of claims from the aviation industry with the most common injury occurring to the lower back from lifting. The Institute of Social and Economic Research is conducting a survey of aviation workers regarding work practices, risk factors, and potential interventions or safety solutions. This project seeks to update findings from a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (2006; Conway, et al., 2004) survey done in Alaska from 2001-2002.