OSHA and EPA

Two organizations that the average person would not think would directly affect day-to-day aviation ground crew operations might be the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA). Contrary to what one would think, both the EPA and OSHA have strict rules that cover many aspects performed during normal operations and if not followed properly could result in the accumulation of many costly fines. Below are some examples of how the EPA and OSHA directly influence the aviation community.
The EPA has rules and regulations set forth to prohibit the degradation of our environment be it by air, water, or land. An EPA regulation that could potentially effect aviation ground operations could be the Resource Conservation Recovery Act (RCRA). RCRA places responsibility upon the airlines for the control and disposal of toxic substances such as hydraulic fuel, oils, and any other hazardous substance that may be used in day-to-day operations. By creating the "cradle to grave" comparison, the airlines would be liable from the purchase date of the substance, up to its final disposal. If those hazardous substances were disposed of improperly, the given airline responsible would then be forced to pay for the decontamination of the areas affected. OSHA has a general duty clause that covers all regulations with one simple catchall statement. Essentially, if there are hazards within the workplace and injuries can and are happening, then an employer is responsible for fixing those problems in an expeditious manner. "Each employer shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees." An OSHA regulation that effects aviation ground operations specifically could be the implementation of sound protection at the correct mandated decibel rating that mimics such standards set forth by OSHA. Failure to implement such use of personal protective equipment could bring fines and compensation given to effected employees.

There are many more EPA and OSHA regulations do apply to daily aviation ground operations and if interested, information may be found within the official OSHA and EPA websites.