OSHA Inspection: SOUTHWEST AIRLINES COMPANY

Issued

Nov 4, 2015

Abate by

Dec 23, 2015

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $7,000

General-duty citation text

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1): The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which was free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees:  OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1): The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees, in that employees were exposed to fall, crush and struck-by hazards while operating ground equipment.  On or about May 8, 2015 at the Southwest Terminal at Chicago Midway Airport, employees operated tow tractor baggage tugs without using seatbelts while pulling luggage carts on the air field service roads. The employer did not ensure that the seatbelts were used by all employees on all shifts while operating the tugs. The employees were exposed to fall, crush and struck-by hazards.   Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable means of abatement to correct the hazard is:  1. Follow the tow tractor baggage tugs manufacturer's safety procedures outlined in the operator's manual Section 1.2.2 Starting Procedure, Item 3. Sit in the driver's seat and fasten the seat belt if equipped.   2. Follow the guidelines stated in American National Standard (ANSI) B56.9-2012, Safety Standard For Operator Controlled Industrial Tow Tractors: Section 4.15.4 Operator Training, #4. Operating instructions and warnings in the operating manual for the tow tractor; and (d) Operating safety rules and practices, including: (3) other rules, regulations, or practices specified by the employer at the location where the tow tractor will be used.