When people talk about safety relating to airports, usually they are concerned about a plane crash more than anything else. But airports themselves can present hazards for the ground crew, baggage handlers, and for anyone else that works there, such as in the retail outlets, bars, and restaurants.
Airport workers have the same right as everyone else. That is, to expect to be able to do their job in a safe environment. Unfortunately, that does not always happen, and accidents take place in airports every year.
A Serious Matter
The importance of safety in any workplace cannot be underestimated, and airports are no exception. It is something the American government takes very seriously with three Department of Labor agencies being responsible for different areas, these being:
- OSHA – Occupational Safety and Health Administration, who are responsible for most private industries, and nearly every American employee comes under their jurisdiction with the exception of some transportation workers, miners, many public employees, and people who are self-employed.
- MASHA – Mine Safety and Health Administration, as the name suggests, is responsible for the safety and health of mine workers, no matter how large the company or what is being mined.
- FLSA – The Fair Labour Standards Act relates to workers less than 18 years of age and is administered and enforced by the DOL’s Wage and Hour Division.
A lack of safety in workplaces can result in serious injuries, and sometimes accidents that are fatal.
Learning To Keep The Nation’s Workforce Safe
Although some people will have a natural inclination for safety issues, anyone that wants to work in occupational safety will need to have the relevant qualifications. The Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is a route taken by many who would like to take the required exams. EKU Online makes this even easier, as you can study without interfering with your everyday life. If you need to work or take care of children, your study time can be fitted around those hours.
You could graduate with an online bachelor of science in occupational safety in as little as 2.5 years, after having had the benefit of the EKU interactive course delivery and discussion boards.
Working in Occupational Safety
Safety personnel work to ensure the American workforce is safe in their jobs, and they are the main reason that the majority return home every day without having had an accident at work. Each state can run its own safety programme, but it has to be approved by OSHA. Currently, 17 states have their own State OSH plans, the rest all coming under the jurisdiction of the federal administration.
Inspections are carried out by safety officers to ensure that the rules and regulation are being complied with. These safety experts will also help employers to make a workplace safe, as their training can mean they will spot a hazard that an employer or member of staff wouldn’t notice.
Working in occupational safety can be a fulfilling career, preventing people having their lives ruined by a workplace accident.
