Alaska Airlines and its ground handling contractor were issued with citations for health and safety violations at Alaska’s Seattle hub.
Alaska was fined $7,000 and contractor Menzies $62,000 by Washington State Department of Labor and Industries due to failing equipment resulting in ‘workers having approximately a four times higher injury rate than other employees in their risk class.’
Both companies have filed appeals.
Violations came to light when Menzies employees filed complaints last year and the state initiated an investigation.
"Alaska Airlines did not provide the means to make the workplace safe from hazards that were causing, or likely to cause, serious physical harm to Menzies ramp agent employees who handle cargo and passenger baggage for Alaska Airlines at Sea-Tac Airport," investigators wrote.
Violations included vehicles without back-up lights, horns, or hand brakes, and equipment with no guard rails.
An Alaska Airlines statement said: "We are focused on ensuring a safe work environment even as we deliver important customer benefits such as a baggage service guarantee. Alaska Airlines’ top priority is the safety of its customers, employees and vendors."
The state recommended redesigning conveyer systems and improving repair and maintenance programs.
