OSHA Investigates Working Conditions at Portland Airport

Thursday, March 05, 2015

Joanna Evoniuk, GoLocalPDX Contributor

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating working conditions for airplane cabin cleaners at Portland Airport after workers formally complained about numerous health and safety risks they encounter on the job.

The complaint was filed against Prospect Airport Services, who contracts with airlines around the United States to provide cargo, ramp, and cabin services. At Portland International Airport, Prospect employees say that the company is unnecessarily putting them at risk.

Heather Pavoich, a Prospect cabin cleaner in Portland since August 2014, said her health has been affected because she is not given the proper equipment for cleaning with powerful chemicals.

“I’m getting rashes, and my eyes get red and puffy,” Pavoich said. “We are doing our best to make this airport number one, but we are not getting the proper equipment to make it the best for everyone.”

The main violations outlined in the worker’s complaint included occupational exposure to fall hazards, unsafe transportation conditions, lack of personal equipment, electrical hazards, and a lack of a safety committee.

Workers lack safety equipment, such as gloves or protective gear for cleaning and disposing of bodily fluids, according to Meg Niemi, President of the SEIU Local 49, which represents some of the airport workers. Equipment used to enter the plane is another concern. One worker fell and was injured, according to Niemi.

When Pavoich and other employees approached their managers, they were told that management would look in to their concerns, Pavoich said. However, she said no improvements have been made.

Prospect Airport Services said their employees have access to the necessary tools and equipment, but employees with any safety concerns are encouraged to come forward.

“Management has a track record of responsiveness to employee concerns and we appreciate any opportunity to work with our team to improve working conditions for the better,” according to a statement from the company.

OSHA Investigation
OSHA has up to six months to conduct an investigation, although spokesperson Melanie Mesaros said that they often are completed before that. Although OSHA does not comment on open investigations, Mesaros said these inspections include interviews with employees and witnesses, as well as review of records and equipment.

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If violations are found, Mesaros said OSHA can issue citations, penalties, or fines to make sure working conditions improve.

“The rules are designed to protect workers in terms of safety and health,” Mesaros said. “We expect [employers] to correct problems. If not, we will fight with repeat and willful violations.”

In cases involving subcontractors, Mesaros said OSHA will sometimes launch investigations into the general contractor and entities, to make sure multiple employers are aware of working conditions.

“They still have responsibilities in terms of keeping an eye on what those subcontractors are doing,” Mesaros said.

Saftey for Airport Workers
Prospect Airport Services, with over 6,500 employees in 27 airports, faced similar saftey investigations in the past. Between 2007 and 2014, OSHA filed seven health and safety violations against Prospect in Detroit, Las Vegas, and Rombis, Michigan airports.

Prospect Airport Services contracts its services directly with airlines, not with the Port of Portland.

“The Port expects all those conducting business at the airport to follow the rules and regulations set forth for a safe work environment,” said Kama Simmons, spokesperson for the Port of Portland.

The Port’s Board of Commissioners, along with local unions, are currently working on a workplace initiative, which aims to improve working conditions for airport employees. Airport workers have been pushing for higher wages and higher standards since last year. The Board will make their final ruling to adopt the initiative or not in April.

Niemi said one of the provisions would hold contractors to live up to Port standards for employees. Niemi would like to see more provisions for safety and protector for workers to voice concerns without fear of losing their job.

“These workers are on the front lines,” Niemi said. “It was surprising to hear from workers how hard they are working to make sure the airport is safe and clean. We are hoping to bring attention to this [through the OSHA filing] and help improve the safety and health for workers."

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