Runways are not the only dangerous place at our international airports. Construction and repairs to the terminal also require hazardous work. Transportation of jet fuel and testing engines inside of the hangers also pose a high degree of risk to the airline workers and airport personnel assigned to these tasks. While there are Federal rules covering the work on the runways (or “Airport Operations Area” or “AOA”), just a few yards away, outside of the “airport sterile area” and on the approach routes and curb of the terminal, strict national and international regulations may not provide coverage.

It is in these areas of the airport that even greater vigilance must be exercised by the operators. The greater the danger to the ground personnel or maintenance workers, the greater the safety procedures that should be in place. Safety rules should be made known, regularly reviewed and consistently enforced. It does no good to have an infraction “point system” for dangerous airport vehicle behavior, for example, if it is never utilized or enforced. Safety protocols must not just look good on paper or during the “tool box safety meetings.” Airport and airline workers need protection from unnecessary danger. This can be accomplished through regularly reviewed, explained and thought out safety protocols. If you or someone you know or care for has been injured as the result of an airport terminal, airplane or other air travel related accident and there are questions about what laws apply, e-mail or call us at ABRAMS LANDAU, Ltd. (703-796-9555) at once.