Airline Mechanic Injuries

Airline mechanics have noise distraction that may keep them from perceiving workplace dangers on the Air Operations Area
Airline mechanics, refuelers, maintenance workers and airport repair personnel have noise distraction that may keep them from hearing workplace dangers on the Air Operations Area (“AOA”)

Once a jet is aloft, we rarely think about the people on the ground who keep the aircraft well-maintained and able to keep its “on time” schedule.

“Airplane maintenance and repair is difficult and sometimes dangerous work,” notes airline employee injury attorney Doug Landau, and the normal “rules of the road” do not apply on the runways of Washington Dulles International and Reagan National Airports. The size of the large commercial aircraft and the heavy tools required to do the work can cause injury. In addition, airport mechanics sometimes have to work under extreme weather conditions on the “air operations area” (“AOA”). Slip and falls on the ice that accumulates around the hangers or runways is another hazard of the job.

Runways and airplane repair hangers can be very loud places, so mechanics often times do not hear warnings that would be effective in other workplace settings. The electric and other vehicles on the AOA can sound horns and flash lights, but the distractions in their unique aviation work areas may render them susceptible to on the job accidents.

Injuries from jet blasts, runway vehicle collisions, and heavy lifting have all resulted in compensable on-the-job accident claims that have been won by the team at Abrams Landau, the Herndon law firm known for helping injured airline industry employees.  If you or someone you know has been injured as the result of an airport terminal, airplane or other air travel related accident and there are questions about what laws apply, e-mail or call us at ABRAMS LANDAU, Ltd. (703-796-9555) at once.