Joint Committee Reviews Airport Safety Conditions
May 1, 2012
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Members of the IAM’s Joint Air Transport Safety Committee (JASC) met this week at the Winpisinger Education Center with the goal of coordinating the ground and flight safety programs of Districts 140, 141, and 142 and to review a pair of accidents that led to the deaths of two IAM members.
The JATSC was formed in 2007 at the direction of the Transportation Department to better address the safety concerns of IAM members. The JATSC also works with U.S. government agencies to strengthen laws, policies and regulations regarding workplace safety and health.
In addition to supporting the work of local and district IAM safety representatives, the committee conducts investigations and assists state, local and airport authorities in the event of a serious injury or fatality.
Among the incidents currently being reviewed is a loader accident that led to the death of a United Airlines Ramp Serviceman at Washington-Dulles Airport. The JATSC aided local and district representatives in their investigation and recommendations were ultimately put forth which led to the system-wide safety modification of loaders. The committee is also investigating the death of a US Airways mechanic in Phoenix, AZ who was killed while attempting to clear a baggage jam.
“Our meeting this week at the Winpisinger Center was both sobering and productive,” said JATSC Chairman Ron Miller. “Our ultimate goal is to protect the health and safety of our members so we never have to add another brick to the Worker’s Memorial. In the months ahead, the JATSC will be surveying IAM members for additional input regarding workplace safety and health.”
