THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2008
United Airlines Faces Fines For Safety Issues
A $215,500 fine has been recommended against Elk Grove Township-based United Airlines by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for "alleged multiple serious and repeat violations of federal workplace safety standards."
OSHA selected United Airlines for inspection after reviewing occupational injury and illness data, which included ramp services, customer service areas, airfreight, aircraft and ground equipment maintenance, building/facility maintenance, business operations, strategic procurement, medical facilities, and flight attendant operations.
As a result of its inspection, OSHA issued 43 serious violations and four repeat violations, said the U.S. Dept. of Labor in a recent statement.
The serious violations address hazards associated with fall protection, hazardous energy control procedures and training, storage of oxygen and fuel gas cylinders, platform load ratings and electrical hazards.
The four repeat violations, based on citations issued and affirmed in 2006 and 2007 cover machine guarding and electrical issues. Proposed penalties for the repeat violations total $57,500, said the Dept. of Labor.
Since 2004, OSHA has inspected United Airlines 22 times at various locations nationwide. United operations at O'Hare Airport have been inspected eight times since 2000 with only three of those inspections resulting in citations.