The Occupational Safety and Health Administration fined American Airlines regional carrier Piedmont Airlines for a breach of safety after a worker was “ingested” into the engine of an aircraft in Alabama on New Year’s Eve.
Piedmont Airlines passenger service agent Courtney Edwards was killed on Dec. 31 after she walked too close to a jet engine as it was parking at the gate and was pulled in by the extreme force.
OSHA determined the airline was not creating “a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees that were exposed to ingestion and jet blast hazards,” according to the Communication Workers of America Local 3645 that covers ground workers at for Piedmont.
“Despite the small penalty, it is likely Piedmont will contest the decision, and CWA will continue to fight for Courtney Edwards, her family, and the safety of all airline workers, who should never fear for their lives on the job,” a memo to union members read.
The OSHA fine is at odds with a National Transportation Safety Board preliminary report released in January that said the crew held a safety briefing before the accident and that employees were told “that the airplane should not be approached” until the engine was shut off and a beacon light was turned off.
“Safety is always our top priority for our team members,” said Crystal Byrd, spokesperson at Piedmont Airlines. “We appreciate the recommendations from OSHA and will ensure that a thorough review is accomplished.”
The agency issued a general duty clause violation, penalizing the airline for $15,625, the maximum allowed by law for a serious violation.
OSHA issued the citation on June 7 and The company has 15 business days from receiving the citation and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
The Envoy Air flight was traveling from DFW International Airport to Montgomery Regional Airport under the American Eagle banner.
