OSHA to enforce select standards for airline cabin crews

Washington – OSHA now has the authority to enforce certain safety and health regulations to help protect aircraft cabin crewmembers, according to a final policy announced Aug. 22 by OSHA and the Federal Aviation Administration.

Aircraft cabin safety issues not covered by FAA standards include hazard communication, bloodborne pathogen exposure and hearing conservation. The agencies stated they will ensure OSHA enforcement does not interfere with the safety of the flight, and will continue to identify any air cabin safety issues that would apply to OSHA standards.

The final policy will go into effect on Sept. 26, and OSHA said it will conduct compliance assistance and outreach activities for six months before beginning enforcement.

The final policy updates a Nov. 30 proposal from OSHA and FAA, which was required by the FAA Modernization and Reform Act.