SHE SC08 Appendix 2 Flights

SC08 Appendix 2 Flights
11 May 2023

Yes
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Flights

Hazard	Effects and possible Controls for the hazard
Fatigue	A long journey, whether a business trip or a vacation, can sap your energy. This may result in the traveller being prone to one or more of the other hazards identified. Controls to reduce the risk Organize your trip seamlessly to avoid the unpleasant surprises that a poorly planned trip can present-such as a missed flight or lack of decent lodging. These situations cause extreme stress, which will dissipate your energy greatly. Pace yourself when possible. Leave some room on the itinerary for downtime, especially following a long flight, train/bus ride or drive. Get suitable rest or sleep when possible; away from noise and distractions. Make the extra effort to eat healthy foods and maintain hydration. Undertake small amounts of exercise to help boost long term energy levels. Stimulate yourself mentally with music, a good read, or even conversation with fellow travellers. Our energy levels can stem from our mental status as well as physical. Make a pronounced effort to stay positive and upbeat on your journey. Depression is closely associated with fatigue.
Jet Lag	This term refers to the feelings of disorientation, light-headedness, impatience, lack of energy, and general discomfort that follow travelling across time zones. Jet lag may persist for several days after arrival and can be accompanied by loss of appetite, difficulty in sleeping, constipation, and grogginess. Although individuals differ in severity of symptoms they experience, many people simply fail to recognise how they are affected, especially in tasks requiring concentration, situation awareness, and complex coordination. Controls to reduce the risk Try to leave time to recover. Bear in mind potential effects of Jet lag when planning your work and travel schedule.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)	The DVT affects blood vessels which go through the calf and thigh muscles, and are not those which you can see just below the skin. DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in a leg vein where it usually remains stuck to the vein wall. The symptoms tend to settle gradually, but there are two main possible complications: Pulmonary embolus involves the blood clot becoming dislodged and moving to the lung; Long-term discomfort and swelling of the calf occur in some cases following a DVT (post-thrombotic syndrome); DVT can occur on long journeys by plane, train, etc., most probably due to sitting cramped for long periods. In plane journeys other factors that may possibly play a part include: reduced cabin pressure, reduced oxygen levels in the plane, slight dehydration caused by not drinking much water, and drinking too many alcoholic drinks. Controls to reduce the risk Whilst travelling on a long journey, particularly on a long-haul plane trip: Exercise your calf and foot muscles regularly. Every half hour or so, bend and straighten your legs, feet and toes when you are seated; Press the balls of your feet down hard against the floor or foot-rest every so often. This helps to increase the blood flow in your legs; Take a walk up and down the aisle every hour or so, when the aircraft crew say it is safe to do so; If you are allowed, get off the plane and walk about if the plane stops for refuelling; Drink plenty of water (to avoid dehydration); Do not drink too much alcohol. (Alcohol can cause dehydration and immobility); Do not take sleeping tablets, which cause immobility; Consider wearing compression stockings; Some people at high risk may also be advised to take anticoagulant medication; Have a little walk straight after the journey to 'get the circulation going'. The vast majority of travellers have no problems. However, if you develop a swollen painful calf or breathing difficulties shortly after a long journey, then see a doctor urgently. Note: slight painless puffiness of feet and ankles is common after a long journey and is not due to a DVT.

Contact: Baker, Gareth (STFC,DL,COO)