OSHA Forms Alliance with NATA-ASC

A safer and more healthful workplace is reportedly on the horizon for workers in airport operating areas thanks to a new Alliance signed with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

The National Air Transportation Association’s Airline Services Council (NATA-ASC) formalized the Alliance with OSHA to advance worker safety and health issues, focusing particularly on reducing and preventing worker exposure to inclement/severe weather hazards in and around airport cargo and mail ramp areas, and other areas associated with aircraft maintenance operations.

“I’m looking forward to working with the Council on this very important Alliance,” said Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA, Jonathan Snare. “We are fortunate to continue to have an opportunity to work with organizations such as NATA-ASC that remain committed to assuring safety and health in the workplace. This Alliance will help assure greater protection of thousands of workers in airport operating areas.”

OSHA and NATA-ASC agreed to develop training and education programs on inclement/severe weather issues and target those programs to workers throughout airport operating areas across the nation. Both organizations will provide NATA members and others with information, guidance and access to various training resources related to the hazards associated with working in environments of extreme heat or cold, or during hurricanes, tornadoes, electrical storms, etc.

The development of case studies illustrating the business value of safety and health will be highlighted, as is participation in forums, roundtable discussions, and stakeholder meetings that spotlight inclement/severe weather issues and their impact on workers.

Both organizations will develop and disseminate information through various media, including OSHA and NATA Web sites and will also look for opportunities to speak, exhibit or appear at conferences meetings or other safety events, including the NATA Safety 1st seminars and the NATA Convention & AS3 Tradeshow.

NATA members provide aviation business services, including on-demand air charter, fuel and ground services, aircraft maintenance and pilot training. The association developed and implemented its Safety 1st program to enhance safety by identifying the knowledge and skills required of professional aviation line service personnel.