Air Safety, Health and Security (ASHS)

The focus of Air Safety, Health & Security (ASHS) is on NWA Flight Attendants' workplace and working lives. Your Air Air Safety, Health & Security Committee is here to represent FA interests—both at the Local and MEC level—in efforts to reduce injuries and accidents, promote improved working conditions and protect/support FA health and well-being. Fly safely, stay healthy and remain vigilant!


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Latest ASHS News

» CABIN FEVER VII: HOT IN HERRE!!!

In response to our CABIN FEVER AWARENESS CAMPAIGN, the company has added a DeltaNet APU Smart Use link that takes you to “APU Central.” Check it out. While APU Central includes much in the way of APU usage statistics, goals, performance, and accountability, it does nothing to address the real issue: cooling our airplanes down NOW!!! We are glad Delta recognizes your HEATED COMPLAINTS. Their myopic online response, however, ignores the larger operational quagmire that somehow prevents lip service memos from translating into safely cooled, comfortable cabins. Why, for instance, are ground power units NOT routinely pumping preconditioned cold air, as prescribed to be the primary means of controlling aircraft temperatures at the gate? Stay tuned, as we continue to push for proactive procedures that get followed in real life – not just on paper!

After all, if passengers are uncomfortably hot, it’s too late. If they complain, be sure they know how to submit their own Cabin Fever feedback concerns to Delta and the DOT. If it gets so hot that you or a colleague become ill, advise the Captain, contact the IFS Manager on Duty, and seek medical care. Fill out OJI paperwork, including the heat related illness diagnosis from your Doctor. And finally, if you have exhausted all other Delta procedures without remedy, you may call the OCC directly to request emergency assistance in securing cooler air at (800) 233-4638. Continue to report extreme temperatures with your AFA thermometer, instances of food poisoning from unchilled EATS or crew meals, and other heat-related safety concerns HERE. As always, follow proper company reporting procedures, so they cannot deny it’s occurring. Remember, if you don’t report it, it didn’t happen.

Posted by soltersdorf on 08/26 at 12:35 PM

» NWA-AFA PROPOSES JOINT SOLUTION TO SERVICE-RELATED INJURIES

Recent eNews “Harmony” reports and feedback have focused on the variety of challenges presented by our new onboard service , including physical difficulties and an increased potential for on-the-job injuries. Poorly designed cart set up, repetitive motion, and improper tools increase the risks for acute and chronic musculoskeletal disorders. Indeed, member feedback from our ONBOARD FEEDBACK FORM  prompted additional scrutiny into workplace ergonomics by your Air Safety, Health and Security Committee.

According to Dr. James McGlothlin, director of Purdue University’s Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences graduate program and a 30-year Delta customer, these new service delivery options, while problematic, also present an opportunity to better design the cabins, service components and galley workplaces of the future.
NWA-AFA is recommending a partnership with the Delta flight attendant workforce, Delta management, and Dr. McGlothlin and his research staff at Purdue in order to identify opportunities for ergonomic enhancements and to evaluate and institute comprehensive solutions.

Read MEC President Janette Rook’s proposal to the company HERE.  We are hopeful to establish a cooperative effort with all parties.

Posted by soltersdorf on 08/25 at 05:32 PM

» Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA)

One of the many benefits of our AFA-negotiated contract, is the fact that we are entitled to the benefits afforded by all the provisions of the Federal Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA).  This generally results in a much higher rate of pay versus standard Workers Compensation benefits.  Given the substantial increase in international flying at Delta, it is recommended that members review page 16.3 of the collective bargaining agreement in the event they are injured on the job and engaged in international flying.  These benefits are substantial and worth pursuing.  Further information (and forms) regarding LHWCA can be found at HERE.

Posted by soltersdorf on 08/25 at 05:30 PM