Delta to Install Seatbelts on Baggage Vehicles

Delta Air Lines Inc. will install seatbelts on its airport vehicles after a baggage handler died last year after being ejected from a vehicle.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration also will address the hazard in the airline industry, recently writing to other airlines that they must comply with seatbelt requirements.

According to the agreement with the federal agency, Delta will put seatbelts in 6,000 baggage handling vehicles. It also will pay an $8,500 penalty.

The agreement calls for Delta to train workers in the safe use of the vehicles, and to order future vehicles with seatbelts installed. Its current vehicles will have seatbelts installed within the next year when they come in for regular maintenance.