For anyone getting ready to board an airplane, safety is the highest priority. After all, people put their lives in the hands of the airline and its personnel. As a result, airlines must have a robust safety culture so passengers have the assurance that all measures are taken to prioritize their wellbeing. In this article, we are diving deep into the various aspects of safety culture in airlines, delving into how organizations systematically prioritize the wellbeing of their passengers.
1. Prioritizing Passenger Wellbeing on Airlines
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, airlines have quickly pivoted to meet the needs of their passengers, while also prioritizing their wellbeing. From transitioning to plane models with more open air, to developing protocols to help passengers maintain social distancing, the effort to reduce transmission risk on board has been multifaceted:
- Reducing the number of passengers on board per flight, to ensure proper social distancing
- Increased operational cleaning and disinfecting
- Protective shields between passengers
- Mandatory face masks for both staff and passengers
Highly-Regulated Faces Masks Protocols
Airlines have adopted strict face masks protocols, with rules in most airlines requiring passengers and crew wear face masks under any and all circumstances. Face shields may be accepted depending on the airline, but it is worth noting that it is not a replacement for the mandatory face masks policy.
Contactless Check-In Experiences
In order to reduce contact between passengers, airlines are now offering customer self-check in options, along with contactless check-in (such as scanning your passport or driver’s license to verify identity). This allows the passenger to avoid being in contact with anyone, while still ensuring safety and security.
Overall, as the aviation industry adapts its safety measures, passengers can be assured that airlines are taking precaution to minimize contact between passengers and ensure their wellbeing is of top priority.
2. Examining the Role of Safety Culture
When it comes to workplace safety, having strong safety culture should be a priority for any organization. It is the primary way for everyone in the workplace to work together in order to champion a culture of accident and injury prevention. So, what role does safety culture play in keeping employees safe?
- Leadership:The leadership of a workplace must take an active role in maintaining safety culture, from encouraging employees to ask questions to actively enforcing rules and regulations. This creates a sense of responsibility by showing employees that safety is a priority to all.
- Communication:Regularly communicating with staff and other stakeholders on safety issues is essential. Disseminating safety information removes potential obstacles that can lead to accidents, while also fostering a shared commitment to safety among employees.
- Reporting:Establishing reported systems such as incident reports, hazard reports, and near-miss reports is an integral part of creating a safety culture. By creating an environment where incidents can be reported and discussed, employees have more confidence in the safety of the work environment they are in.
- Responding:When safety incidents do occur, it is essential to respond quickly and thoroughly. Promptly responding to an incident ensures that potential dangers are addressed, and further facilitates communication and accountability.
Ultimately, creating and maintaining a strong culture of safety requires a collaborative approach from all levels of an organization. Such a culture should focus on safety priorities, encourage open and honest communication, and respond promptly to potential hazard. A properly functioning safety culture is essential for any organization that wants to ensure the well-being of its employees.
3. Strategies for Improving Airline Safety
Every year, air transport becomes increasingly safer – however, there is always more that can be done to reduce the risk of aircraft incidents. To improve the safety of airlines, here are three strategies worth considering.
Adopt technological advancements – Companies in the aviation industry should actively strive to adopt the latest technological advancements. This includes equipping aircrafts with advanced navigation systems, such as advanced GPS and digital flight charts. Additionally, airlines should investigate current safety systems, such as the Control Display Unit. These enhancements not only help improve safety aboard an aircraft, but also help pilots reduce time en route.
Train staff – Regular refresher training should be conducted for all airline staff, from pilots to engineers. This ensures that workers are up to date and knowledgeable in the industry’s most relevant safety measures. Airline staff should also be encouraged to report any safety issues immediately, so that they can be addressed and fixed before becoming major hazards.
Be prepared for emergencies – Airline workers need to be prepared for any situation. Pilots should regularly practice emergency drills, such as landing without power or sudden evacuation. Additionally, many airlines provide passengers with safety cards which they can study in case of an emergency. Finally, airports should be equipped with medical personnel who can assist passengers in the event of an emergency.
By implementing these strategies, it is possible for the airline industry to improve their safety records and ensure a safe journey for all passengers.
4. Securing a Safe and Comfortable Travel Experience
Traveling can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be stressful. The key to having a safe and comfortable travel experience is proper planning and preparation.
Research, Research, Research
Doing research before you book your trip is essential. Read up on the destinations you plan to visit, including any events or festivities that might be happening during the time of your planned trip. Make sure to check out weather forecasts, so you’re prepared for any drastic changes. Knowing what to expect in advance will help you stay safe and comfortable throughout your journey.
Plan & Pack Smartly
Planning your itinerary in detail is important. Set realistic expectations and plan accordingly, allowing more time for delays and unforeseen travel changes. When packing for your trip, choose versatile and compact clothing items that are suitable for the climate. Depending on your destination, consider bringing along items that can enhance your comfort such as:
- A travel pillow and blanket
- A portable phone charger and adaptor
- An empty water bottle
Be Prepared for Emergencies
It’s best to think through different scenarios so you’re prepared in the event something unexpected happens. Whether it’s a minor setback or a major emergency, it’s important to know how to react in different situations. You can’t plan for everything, but brushing up on safety tips and keeping emergency numbers handy are some of the best ways to stay safe while traveling. Be sure to have travel insurance to give you added peace of mind.
Flying through the clouds, high above the world, is an experience that many of us are fortunate to be able to enjoy. As travelers, we rely on the strong safety culture of airlines to ensure our safe arrival. By prioritizing passenger wellbeing during their operations, airlines are demonstrating their commitment to keeping us safe wherever the flight path may take us.
