June 20th 2023.
American Airlines' subsidiary, Piedmont Airlines, was recently fined thousands of dollars after a worker was tragically ingested in a plane's engine in 2022. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) fined American Airlines $15,625 for the safety breach which resulted in the death of Piedmont Airlines ground crew member Courtney Edwards.
According to a report by OSHA, the airline failed to provide a safe environment for their employees, stating, "The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or were likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees that were exposed to ingestion and jet blast hazards."
The Communications Workers of America union has said there is a good chance that Piedmont will contest the decision. Piedmont has 15 business days from June 7, 2023 to respond, and can choose to request a conference with OSHA, comply with, or contest the fine.
The National Transportation Safety Board report found that Edwards was to blame for not adhering to safety warnings. As reported by BLACK ENTERPRISE, Edwards died on Dec. 31, 2022 at Montgomery Regional Airport. Two safety briefings had taken place 10 minutes before American Airlines Flight 3408 arrived at the gate from Dallas.
Edwards left behind three children. A GoFundMe page was set up for her children and family, which explains, "Courtney was a Ground Handling agent for Piedmont Airlines, a subsidiary of American Airlines, a loving mother of three kids and a wonderful daughter to her beloved mother, Natalie English of Montgomery, Alabama."
The page further states, "Our Local would like to ask you to help us raise money for her three beautiful kids to help cover funeral expenses, day-to-day expenses and any other expenses needed to care for the children. All proceeds raised are going directly to her mother, Natalie, for the care of Courtney's kids." Donielle Prophete, the president of Communication Workers of America Local 3645, created the GoFundMe page in an effort to support Edwards' family and children.
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