Qantas did not have a procedure to assess cabin crew fitness after a serious injury. This increased the risk that a crew member could continue to operate while being unfit for duty.
The ATSB acknowledges that the introduction of medical assessment guidelines, which includes unrestrained crew during a moderate turbulence event to be implemented by Qantas reduces the risk associated with this safety issue.
Qantas integrated operations control incident notification communications protocol was updated and published on 22 July 2024 to include contact with the Qantas on‑call doctor in the event of significant cabin crew injury or illness.
Additionally, the ATSB was advised on 8 April 2025, that the operator had implemented additional controls to adequately assess the fitness of crew member after a turbulence event, or other unplanned aircraft movement.
Following any turbulence or unplanned aircraft movement event that is classed as severe, or an event classed as moderate with reported injuries, the operator will arrange immediate medical consultation. Additionally, in the case of a moderate turbulence event or aircraft movement with unrestrained crew, immediate medical assessment will be conducted.
