The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA), which represents UK airline pilots, has outlined the health and safety risks faced by pilots on a day-to-day basis.
BALPA General Secretary Amy Leversidge alongside Health Safety reps told MPs at an All-Party Parliamentary Group on Occupational Safety and Health that one of the biggest challenges pilots face comes from rostering by airlines which can lead to fatigue and stress.
Other factors they faced were out-of-order toilets, “sweltering” temperatures onboard and the risk of exposure to fumes in the aircraft. Whilst these risks are also shared by passengers, pilots by definition have much more exposure as it is their daily job.
Ms Leversidge said: “Pilots, like all other workers, deserve safe operational environments that do not negatively affect their health. They can face challenging rosters, air conditioning that doesn’t work when the aircraft is on the ground, fumes entering the cabin and toilets that are out of order, or non-existent. This can lead to stress and fatigue, which is forcing pilots to reduce their hours or even cut short their careers to protect their health.”
BALPA highlighted that while the ‘Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974’ and related legislation is detailed and robust, the applicable legislation for crew members on board a civil aircraft, ‘The Civil Aviation (Working Time) Regulations 2004’ is not similarly comprehensive.
Ms Leversidge added: “Gaps in health and safety requirements that specifically cover pilots need filling, and existing requirements strengthened, so they receive the same level of protection that other workers take for granted.”
