WC Wisconsin News

Congressman Derrick Van Orden and Congresswoman Val Hoyle have introduced the Airport Ramp Worker Safety Act in an effort to improve the safety and protection of airport ground crew workers. The act aims to develop proper training and safety standards to prevent accidents and fatalities among airport ground crew workers, particularly focusing on dangers like aircraft engine ingestion and jet blast hazards.

In a statement, Rep. Van Orden highlighted the importance of the bill for smaller airports, stating, “Small, rural airports like those in Wisconsin’s Third District may lack the same ramp safety standards that are in place at larger airports as there are no federal minimum safety standards.” He expressed concern over the recent increase in incidents and fatalities among ground crew workers and emphasized the need for proper training and safety standards to mitigate risks.

Similarly, Rep. Hoyle stressed the significance of ensuring uniform safety training requirements for airport ground crew workers. She stated, “Every worker deserves to be safe on the job. But today, airport ground crew workers don’t have uniform safety training requirements which has led to some workers getting hurt or even killed.” Rep. Hoyle expressed her pride in introducing the bipartisan bill to support the safety and well-being of these workers.

Dan Mauer, the CWA Government Affairs Director, also voiced support for the Airport Ramp Worker Safety Act, citing the tragic loss of a CWA member in a workplace accident. He commended Congresswoman Hoyle for her leadership in protecting ramp workers and called for the inclusion of this important legislation in the upcoming FAA reauthorization bill.

The introduction of the Airport Ramp Worker Safety Act reflects a bipartisan effort to enhance workplace safety and address the hazards faced by airport ground crew workers. Through the establishment of comprehensive safety training requirements, the act aims to create a safer working environment for these essential workers.