FAA Takes Action to Protect Ground Workers from Injuries

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a safety warning to airlines on Friday in an effort to avoid harming the people who pull aircraft and direct them to and from terminals

The safety warning "reminds airlines that it is important for workers to remain clear of operating engines until they are shut down," the FAA said as reported by Reuters.

On the ramp of Montgomery Regional Airport in Alabama in December, a worker was critically hurt when he was dragged into the engine of an American Airlines regional carrier flight.

Injuries in the Aviation Industry

Groundworkers in the aviation industry are at risk of serious injuries. In 2021, there were over 10,000 injuries reported to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) involving ground workers in the aviation industry. These injuries ranged from minor cuts and bruises to amputations and fatalities

Ground workers are often in close proximity to moving aircraft and vehicles. This can lead to injuries from being struck by a vehicle, being caught in between vehicles, or being dragged by a vehicle.

FAA Chief Steve Dickson Pilots Boeing 737 MAX Test Flight

(Photo: by Mike Siegel-Pool/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 30: FAA chief Steve Dickson walks around a Boeing 737 MAX, conducting a pre-flight check ahead of take-off from Boeing Field on September 30, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. The flight is a step towards re-certification of the aircraft after the plane was grounded 18 months ago following two crashes that resulted in the deaths of 346 people.

They are often working at heights, such as on top of aircraft or on loading ramps. This can lead to falls, which can result in serious injuries or death. They may be exposed to hazardous substances, such as jet fuel, hydraulic fluid, and chemicals. This can lead to burns, poisoning, and other serious health problems.

The Importance of Training

A LinkedIn post by Eddie Beaver talked about the difficulties of working on the ground in the aviation industry. Beaver was a ramp handling agent on the tarmac at Miami International Airport in the summer of the early 2000s. His tasks involved helping taxi aircraft and unloading/loading baggage from planes.

According to him, it was a difficult and dirty job and a bit dangerous. The danger comes from the potential for bodily harm through miscommunication with colleagues, halting a trailer, and more.

Beaver was grateful for his training then, along with the guidance of his ramp coordinator.

There are a number of reasons training is so important for ground workers in the aviation industry.

First, ground workers need to be familiar with the hazards associated with their work. They need to know how to identify and avoid these hazards.

Second, ground workers need to be trained on how to use the safety equipment that is provided to them. This equipment can help to prevent injuries in the event of an accident. Third, they need to be trained on how to follow safety procedures. These procedures are designed to help prevent accidents.