Airport Ground Crew Injuries on the AOA
Airline personnel are at risk for injury due to accidents on the Air Operations Area (“AOA”) at busy international airports.
Nighttime flights, runway noise, and slippery winter conditions increase the risk of on-the-job accidents. Because ground personnel are wearing hearing protection, they may not be aware of a luggage tug, fuel truck, or other small vehicle coming up behind them.
There are many distractions on the air operations area, and tight aircraft turnaround schedules. Airline ground crew may be busy servicing several shifts at the same time, and in the rush to keep “on time” schedule, accidents can happen.
It is important for ground crew to seek prompt medical attention, and let their own family doctor know about any injuries, so they can get the best possible outcome.
It is good policy to coordinate all healthcare providers.
The family doctor knows the airline or airport worker’s health history better than the specialist for a runway accident.
Airline personnel may also have to undergo testing by an FAA physician before being allowed back on the air operations area for flight personnel, especially after a significant injury with time lost from work and strong narcotic medication prescriptions.
If you or someone you know has been injured while working on the Air Operations Area at an airport, and there are questions as to what laws apply, email or call Abrams Landau, Ltd. at once. 703-796-9555.