FAA, OSHA propose OSHA enforcement for flight attendants

Washington – A policy proposed Nov. 30 by OSHA and the Federal Aviation Administration would allow OSHA to enforce certain safety and health standards for flight attendants, including standards previously not covered by FAA oversight, according to the draft policy statement (.pdf file).

Among the standards OSHA could begin to enforce:

  • Reporting flight attendant injuries and illnesses
  • Hazard communication and bloodborne pathogens
  • Hearing conservation for employees inside aircraft cabins

The agencies will develop procedures to ensure OSHA does not apply any requirements that could affect aviation safety, according to an FAA press release.

The FAA Modernization and Reform Act (.pdf file), signed into law Feb. 14, required FAA to establish which OSHA standards could apply to flight attendants.

Comments can be submitted up to 30 days after the notice has been published in the Federal Register (.pdf file).

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