April 8, 2015
Contact: Office of Communications
Phone: 202-693-1999

OSHA and Airline Ground Safety Panel renew alliance to protect
airline ground personnel

WASHINGTON – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration today renewed its alliance with the Airline Ground Safety Panel to continue providing information and training resources to members, ground crew unions and contract firms, and workers.

The alliance will address worker injuries that occur during operation of ground support equipment; use of seat belts; new and emerging hazards; slips, trips and falls; ergonomic hazards; extreme temperatures; and understanding the rights and responsibilities of workers and employers under the OSH Act.

"OSHA and members of the airline industry have worked together in recent years to address safety issues among ground personnel," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels. "The efforts of our continued alliance with AGSP will go a long way toward keeping workers across the country safe and healthy at the end of every workday."

The alliance will develop toolbox talks on extreme temperatures and a case study on emerging workplace hazards, review existing Best Practice Facts Sheets with a focus on the use of seat belts in all ground support equipment, and incorporate ergonomic guidance in existing toolbox talks, case studies and other guidance resources.

"Our member airlines are very pleased with the progress that the OSHA Alliance with the Airline Ground Safety Panel has produced over the past seven years," said Airlines for America Vice President and Assistant General Counsel Rob DeLucia. "We look forward to continuing our voluntary, cooperative program with OSHA to further enhance employee safety with our labor union partners and the companies that service our aircraft."

"The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers is committed to the mission of the Airline Ground Safety Alliance and appreciative to OSHA for bringing both labor and management together to address mutual safety concerns," said Mike Flynn, director, Occupational Safety and Health Department, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.

AGSP comprises most major airlines, several regional airlines, representatives of trade unions and contractors for ground crew employees. The alliance agreement has been renewed for five years.

Through its Alliance Program, OSHA works with unions, consulates, trade and professional organizations, faith- and community-based organizations, businesses and educational institutions to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses. The purpose of each alliance is to develop compliance assistance tools and resources, and to educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities. Alliance Program participants do not receive exemptions from OSHA inspections or any other enforcement benefits.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

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