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A tragic incident occurred at San Antonio International Airport when an airport worker lost their life after being “ingested” into a Delta Air Lines jet engine. The plane had only one engine running after having just arrived from Los Angeles when the victim was killed.
As reported by the National Transportation Safety Board, the worker was employed by Unifi Aviation – a company Delta and other airlines use for ground handling operations. Delta confirmed that they are fully supporting investigations into the incident.
Unifi Aviation, the company the victim was employed with, expressed their deep sorrow in a statement to KENS5. They said “Our heart goes out to the family of the deceased, and we remain focused on supporting our employees on the ground and ensuring they are being taken care of during this time.” Meanwhile, airport officials have said they are “deeply saddened” by the incident and are working with authorities to investigate the matter.
The incident follows a recent Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigation into Piedmont Airlines, a subsidiary of American Airlines, who were at fault for the death of a ground agent at an Alabama airport on New Year’s Eve. OSHA imposed a fine of more than $15,000 at the time.
It is never easy when workplace accidents occur, but it is particularly devastating when you lose an employee. We hope the family of the deceased takes comfort in the support being shown by Unifi Aviation and Delta.
These are uncertain times and Delta has shown that they are committed to doing their part to ensure the safety and well-being of their employees. The company has introduced a range of protocols, including increased cleaning in airports and on-board flights, and the wearing of masks by staff and passengers alike when embarking and disembarking their aircraft.
While the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted air travel, it is reassuring to see companies like Delta continuing to prioritize the safety of their employees and passengers.
It is crucial that companies work even harder to ensure that their policies are geared towards employee and consumer safety. A strong emphasis on safety measures should be implemented to protect those who travel and work in close proximity to each other.
The death of any worker is tragic, and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased at this incredibly difficult time.
It is essential that airport workers ensure that they are fully trained and work within established safety regulations when performing their duties. This will help to prevent accidents and improve the safety of workers within the aviation industry.
Our country is built on hard work and it is vital that companies prioritize the safety and well-being of their employees. We urge companies to implement safety measures and remain vigilant in order to avoid accidents like this one.
As investigations continue into the incident, we hope that the airport will take action based on the findings to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Regular safety audits should be carried out to ensure that all safety protocols are followed by airport employees and contractors alike.
We commend Delta for their commitment to ensuring passenger and employee safety. The current global situation has required companies to prioritize safety measures and we are pleased to see that Delta is setting an example for other companies to follow.
In conclusion, it is a deeply saddening event that has occurred at San Antonio International Airport. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased during this difficult time. Out of respect for the victim, all companies involved must prioritize safety and ensure that their employees are working in a safe environment.
Let us all work together so that incidents like this never happen again, and let us honor the life of the deceased with a renewed commitment to safety within the aviation industry.
We cannot turn back the clock, but we can do everything in our power to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. Let us remember the lessons of the past as the aviation industry moves forward and continues to make strides to improve safety and protect the lives of all those that work within it.
