Here’s the Difference Between Heat Stress, Exhaustion, and Stroke

Here’s the Difference Between Heat Stress, Exhaustion, and Stroke

Jul 18, 2023 | Featured News, Front Page, Other News, Recent News, Row 2, Safety

Here’s the Difference Between Heat Stress, Exhaustion, and Stroke

IAM141.org
July 18, 2023

Heat-related injuries and sickness can often be hard to understand because the words used to describe them can be tricky. With hot weather warnings in the U.S., it’s crucial to understand terms like heat stress, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

Think about a hot day at the beach when the temperature is around 90°F. It feels great until you start doing something that makes your body work hard, like gardening, hiking, or running for the bus. This effort makes your body temperature go up. Your heart tries to help by sending more blood to your skin, where it cools down thanks to your sweat. But if you can’t sweat because you’re dehydrated, if the air is too humid for sweat to evaporate, or if it’s just too hot for your body to handle, you could get heat injuries or sickness.

If you feel that your work area is vulnerable to heat injuries, you can take action. File a safety report and help protect your coworkers.
+ File a Safety Report

Heat Stress

“Heat stress” is a term for any problem that happens when you’re active in hot weather. Symptoms like heat rash, cramps, dizziness, or fainting are signs that your body is having trouble cooling down. If you don’t do something about it, heat stress could turn into something more serious, like heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

If you’re suffering from heat stress, you should stop what you’re doing, find a cooler, shady place, and slowly drink water or clear juice. Cramps usually happen when your body has lost too much water and salts through sweating. Drinks like Gatorade or Pedialyte can help replace these, but avoid energy drinks since caffeine can cause dehydration. If the cramps don’t get better within an hour, or if you have heart problems or need to limit your salt intake, you should go to the clinic or see a doctor.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion happens when your body has lost too much water and salts because of sweating. You might feel sick, vomit, faint, slur your words, feel weak, get a headache, feel irritable, have clammy skin, and your body temperature might increase. If you get heat exhaustion many times, it can hurt your organs, especially your kidneys. Very bad heat exhaustion can cause muscle breakdown that can lead to heart rhythm problems, seizures, and damage to your kidneys.

If you or someone else has heat exhaustion, you should move to a cool place (with air conditioning if possible) and take small sips of cool liquids. Call 911 if you can’t get the person to a clinic or emergency room. Take off shoes, socks, and any tight or heavy clothes, and use water or cold compresses on the head, face, neck, and wrists.

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is the worst kind of heat sickness. It happens when your body can’t control its temperature and gets hotter than 104°F. You might stop sweating, and your body temperature can reach 108°F in just 10-15 minutes. Other symptoms can include passing out, having seizures, or acting strangely without quick medical help, which could include a cold IV drip; heat stroke can cause disability or death in a few hours.

Heat-related illnesses, such as heat stress, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, can be serious and life-threatening if not properly addressed. It’s crucial to stay hydrated, take breaks, and seek cool environments when spending time in the heat. Should symptoms of any heat-related illness appear, take immediate action and seek medical attention if necessary. Stay safe and informed during the hot weather, because understanding these conditions can make a significant difference in your health and well-being.

Remember, if you see anyone suffering from heat related injuries, it is important to file a GSAP, GSIP, or equivalent safety report as soon as it is safe to do so. GSAP and GSIP reports are non-punitive, and offer the best way to protect your work area from safety hazards such as heat-related injuries. 

+ File a Safety Report

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Here’s the Difference Between Heat Stress, Exhaustion, and Stroke

July 18, 2023

Heat-related injuries and sickness can often be hard to understand because the words used to describe them can be tricky. With hot weather warnings in the U.S., it’s crucial to understand terms like heat stress, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

Think about a hot day at the beach when the temperature is around 90°F. It feels great until you start doing something that makes your body work hard, like gardening, hiking, or running for the bus. This effort makes your body temperature go up. Your heart tries to help by sending more blood to your skin, where it cools down thanks to your sweat. But if you can’t sweat because you’re dehydrated, if the air is too humid for sweat to evaporate, or if it’s just too hot for your body to handle, you could get heat injuries or sickness.

If you feel that your work area is vulnerable to heat injuries, you can take action. File a safety report and help protect your coworkers.
+ File a Safety Report

Heat Stress

“Heat stress” is a term for any problem that happens when you’re active in hot weather. Symptoms like heat rash, cramps, dizziness, or fainting are signs that your body is having trouble cooling down. If you don’t do something about it, heat stress could turn into something more serious, like heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

If you’re suffering from heat stress, you should stop what you’re doing, find a cooler, shady place, and slowly drink water or clear juice. Cramps usually happen when your body has lost too much water and salts through sweating. Drinks like Gatorade or Pedialyte can help replace these, but avoid energy drinks since caffeine can cause dehydration. If the cramps don’t get better within an hour, or if you have heart problems or need to limit your salt intake, you should go to the clinic or see a doctor.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion happens when your body has lost too much water and salts because of sweating. You might feel sick, vomit, faint, slur your words, feel weak, get a headache, feel irritable, have clammy skin, and your body temperature might increase. If you get heat exhaustion many times, it can hurt your organs, especially your kidneys. Very bad heat exhaustion can cause muscle breakdown that can lead to heart rhythm problems, seizures, and damage to your kidneys.

If you or someone else has heat exhaustion, you should move to a cool place (with air conditioning if possible) and take small sips of cool liquids. Call 911 if you can’t get the person to a clinic or emergency room. Take off shoes, socks, and any tight or heavy clothes, and use water or cold compresses on the head, face, neck, and wrists.

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is the worst kind of heat sickness. It happens when your body can’t control its temperature and gets hotter than 104°F. You might stop sweating, and your body temperature can reach 108°F in just 10-15 minutes. Other symptoms can include passing out, having seizures, or acting strangely without quick medical help, which could include a cold IV drip; heat stroke can cause disability or death in a few hours.

Heat-related illnesses, such as heat stress, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, can be serious and life-threatening if not properly addressed. It’s crucial to stay hydrated, take breaks, and seek cool environments when spending time in the heat. Should symptoms of any heat-related illness appear, take immediate action and seek medical attention if necessary. Stay safe and informed during the hot weather, because understanding these conditions can make a significant difference in your health and well-being.

Remember, if you see anyone suffering from heat related injuries, it is important to file a GSAP, GSIP, or equivalent safety report as soon as it is safe to do so. GSAP and GSIP reports are non-punitive, and offer the best way to protect your work area from safety hazards such as heat-related injuries. 

+ File a Safety Report

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Ingestion Fatality at SAT Airport Ruled a Suicide

Ingestion Fatality at SAT Airport Ruled a Suicide

Jun 29, 2023 | Front Page, Other News, Recent News, Row 2, Safety

Ingestion Fatality at SAT Airport Ruled a Suicide

IAM141.org
June 29, 2023

In a tragic incident late Friday night at San Antonio International Airport, a ground crew member, David Renner, 27, lost his life after he was pulled into the engine of a Delta Air Lines plane. Firefighters and police officers responded to the event around 10:25 p.m.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), “Delta Flight 1111 was taxiing to the gate, with one engine on at that time, and a worker was ingested into that engine at 10:25 p.m.” The NTSB confirmed the incident on Saturday, stating the man was indeed “ingested” into the engine. The flight had just arrived from Los Angeles.

According to a report from the San Antonio Express, the plane’s captain “felt the aircraft shake,” as Renner was pulled into the engine. A police report indicated that Renner passed a suicide note to a coworker, wrapped in a one-dollar bill. He then watched as Renner walked, “to the captain’s side of the jet, bend down and jump up into the engine.”

On Monday, the Bexar County Medical Examiner ruled his cause of death as blunt and sharp-force injuries, and listed the manner of death as suicide.

This information was also provided to the NTSB, who responded, “The NTSB will not be opening an investigation into this event. There were no operational safety issues with either the airplane or the airport,” indicating a belief that the tragic event didn’t raise concerns about overall airport safety.

 

Renner was employed by Unifi Aviation, a company Delta Airlines contracts to support ground-handling operations. The Federal Aviation Administration, which regulates airlines and aviation safety, has indicated that it would proceed with an investigation into the incident.

Responding to the incident, Delta said it was “grieving the loss of an aviation family member’s life in San Antonio.” The airline expressed its full support for the ongoing investigations.

Unifi Aviation has been wracked with employee complaints over poor training, short staffing, and low pay, all of which contribute to extraordinary levels of turnover at the company. The mass influx of new and inexperienced employees is a safety concern, according to industry experts.

“My experience here at Unifi in MSO has been highly unsatisfactory,” said one worker who did not want to be named. “Largely due to the inadequate trainers and ineffective leadership,” he continued. The contractor holds a two-star rating from employees on Glassdoor.com. Only 42% of current employees would recommend working at Unifi to a friend.

In a short statement, the company was quick to disavow itself of any responsibiity in the fatality.

The statement read, “Unifi Aviation is deeply saddened by the loss of our employee at San Antonio International Airport during a tragic incident in the late hours of Friday, June 23, 2023. Our hearts go out to the deceased’s family, and we remain focused on supporting our employees on the ground and ensuring they are being taken care of during this time. From our initial investigation, this incident was unrelated to Unifi’s operational processes, safety procedures, and policies. Out of respect for the deceased, we will not be sharing any additional information. While police and other officials continue to investigate this incident, we defer to them on providing further details.”

Unifi, like Delta, is based in Atlanta and describes itself as North America’s largest ground-handling and aviation services provider, boasting a workforce of 20,000 aviation workers who handle baggage, cargo, catering, fueling, and other jobs at 200 locations.

According to online job postings, Average Unifi hourly pay for new employees starts at approximately $11.94 per hour.

 

This Message Found You For A Reason

Life has a way of throwing challenges at us, but you don’t have to face them alone. District 141’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is here for you.

 

Remember, reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness, but a strength. EAP offers free, professional, and compassionate assistance to all members of District 141 who may be struggling with life’s difficulties, be it personal or work-related.

 

Start your journey towards better health and wellbeing today. Click here to learn more about the District 141 EAP and how it can assist you. You’re not alone, and help is just a click away.

  

You’ve got this, and we’ve got you.

 

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Stay up to date with all the latest news and information from the Machinists Union

Sign up for Email Alerts

Ingestion Fatality at SAT Airport Ruled a Suicide

June 29, 2023

In a tragic incident late Friday night at San Antonio International Airport, a ground crew member, David Renner, 27, lost his life after he was pulled into the engine of a Delta Air Lines plane. Firefighters and police officers responded to the event around 10:25 p.m.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), “Delta Flight 1111 was taxiing to the gate, with one engine on at that time, and a worker was ingested into that engine at 10:25 p.m.” The NTSB confirmed the incident on Saturday, stating the man was indeed “ingested” into the engine. The flight had just arrived from Los Angeles.

According to a report from the San Antonio Express, the plane’s captain “felt the aircraft shake,” as Renner was pulled into the engine. A police report indicated that Renner passed a suicide note to a coworker, wrapped in a one-dollar bill. He then watched as Renner walked, “to the captain’s side of the jet, bend down and jump up into the engine.”

On Monday, the Bexar County Medical Examiner ruled his cause of death as blunt and sharp-force injuries, and listed the manner of death as suicide.

This information was also provided to the NTSB, who responded, “The NTSB will not be opening an investigation into this event. There were no operational safety issues with either the airplane or the airport,” indicating a belief that the tragic event didn’t raise concerns about overall airport safety.

 

Renner was employed by Unifi Aviation, a company Delta Airlines contracts to support ground-handling operations. The Federal Aviation Administration, which regulates airlines and aviation safety, has indicated that it would proceed with an investigation into the incident.
Responding to the incident, Delta said it was “grieving the loss of an aviation family member’s life in San Antonio.” The airline expressed its full support for the ongoing investigations.

Unifi Aviation has been wracked with employee complaints over poor training, short staffing, and low pay, all of which contribute to extraordinary levels of turnover at the company. The mass influx of new and inexperienced employees is a safety concern, according to industry experts.

“My experience here at Unifi in MSO has been highly unsatisfactory,” said one worker who did not want to be named. “Largely due to the inadequate trainers and ineffective leadership,” he continued. The contractor holds a two-star rating from employees on Glassdoor.com. Only 42% of current employees would recommend working at Unifi to a friend.

In a short statement, the company was quick to disavow itself of any responsibiity in the fatality.

The statement read, “Unifi Aviation is deeply saddened by the loss of our employee at San Antonio International Airport during a tragic incident in the late hours of Friday, June 23, 2023. Our hearts go out to the deceased’s family, and we remain focused on supporting our employees on the ground and ensuring they are being taken care of during this time. From our initial investigation, this incident was unrelated to Unifi’s operational processes, safety procedures, and policies. Out of respect for the deceased, we will not be sharing any additional information. While police and other officials continue to investigate this incident, we defer to them on providing further details.”

Unifi, like Delta, is based in Atlanta and describes itself as North America’s largest ground-handling and aviation services provider, boasting a workforce of 20,000 aviation workers who handle baggage, cargo, catering, fueling, and other jobs at 200 locations.

According to online job postings, Average Unifi hourly pay for new employees starts at approximately $11.94 per hour.

 

This Message Found You For A Reason

Life has a way of throwing challenges at us, but you don’t have to face them alone. District 141’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is here for you.

 

Remember, reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness, but a strength. EAP offers free, professional, and compassionate assistance to all members of District 141 who may be struggling with life’s difficulties, be it personal or work-related.

 

Start your journey towards better health and wellbeing today. Click here to learn more about the District 141 EAP and how it can assist you. You’re not alone, and help is just a click away.

  

You’ve got this, and we’ve got you.

 

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VIDEO OF HORROR ACCIDENT AT DELTA: Latest Information

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Dec 15, 2022 | Front Page, Page Five, Page Four, Page Two, Perusals, Row 2, Safety, Uncategorized, Video

VIDEO OF HORROR ACCIDENT AT DELTA: Latest Information

Safety
15 December 2022

Camdyn Harris, an Atlanta-based Fleet Service Worker at Delta Air Lines who was struck and crushed by a passing lav truck while guiding an aircraft into her gate, is alive and, while severely injured, is expected to recover. The incident happened on December 10, just after 6:00 in the evening.

Horrific video of the accident showed the ground agent standing behind gate C 36 at Hartsfield-Jackson. She was helping to provide a safe pathway for an approaching Boeing 717 aircraft. As the regional jet turns into the gate, the young ramp worker is suddenly struck from behind by a lav truck at near-full speed. The flat front grill of the vehicle threw her into the concrete, shattering bones in her face and causing other serious injuries. It also shows the truck’s rear tires passing over her body.

The video then shows the aircraft and the lav truck slamming their brakes. The truck operator then rushes out of his vehicle to attend to the fallen wing walker and several other people working nearby. A police report following the incident says that she was found “bleeding from the head but was stable” and that she was transported to nearby Grady Hospital. The police report goes on to say that the lav truck driver was “looking down at his assignment tablet” just before striking the ramp worker. Police cited him, his badge was confiscated, and he was escorted from the airport. 

The tragic incident was a major topic at Machinists Union District 141 Safety Conference, held this year in Orlando. The Safety Conference brings front-line airline workers, members of airline management and other safety experts together each year to discuss ways to make airports safer places to work.

Her mother, Chanelle Harris, said those who rushed to her aid initially thought the teenage ramp worker had died. “Believed to be dead and without breath, she regained consciousness and was rushed to Grady Hospital in Atlanta,” her mother said. “Thank you, God, for sending my baby back to us.”

Her mother also said that Camdyn was facing a long recovery. 

 “Thankfully, her spine was left intact,” Harris said of her daughter’s injuries. “But Camdyn suffered many broken bones in her face, a fractured skull, and a serious concussion. She has had difficulty finding her words and remembering things since the incident. We pray for a full recovery, but know that it will be a long one that will require much love, attention and support,” she continued.

Her mother asked that the video be shown, hoping it would lead to safer working conditions at Delta and other airlines. Since first appearing on Twitter, it has quickly gone viral, having been picked up by local media outlets. 

In a statement reported by Local News Outlet Fox News 5, Delta Air Lines sought to minimize the accident, stressing that Camdyn’s injuries were only “non-life-threatening.” 

“Delta teams are fully investigating an accident involving an employee injury in Atlanta on Saturday evening, as nothing is more important than the safety of our people and our customers,” the message read. “The employee was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.”

It’s unclear if Delta is resisting a workers’ compensation claim or offering other financial assistance to Camdyn or her family. Her mother has started a GoFundMe page to ask for help from the public. As of December 15, five days after the accident, the page had collected $1,247.

UPDATE: Donations to Camdyn Harris and her family have increased since this article was written. Donations have poured in from around the nation and will likely reach several thousand dollars by this weekend. Currently, more than $5,000 in donations have been made. 

Camdyn Harris, a Delta Ramp Worker struck by a Lav Truck while guiding in an aircraft at ATL Airport. 

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Camdyn Harris, an Atlanta-based Fleet Service Worker at Delta Air Lines who was struck and crushed by a passing lav truck while guiding an aircraft into her gate, is alive and, while severely injured, is expected to recover. The incident happened on December 10, just after 6:00 in the evening.

Horrific video of the accident showed the ground agent standing behind gate C 36 at Hartsfield-Jackson. She was helping to provide a safe pathway for an approaching Boeing 717 aircraft. As the regional jet turns into the gate, the young ramp worker is suddenly struck from behind by a lav truck at near-full speed. The flat front grill of the vehicle threw her into the concrete, shattering bones in her face and causing other serious injuries. It also shows the truck’s rear tires passing over her body.

The video then shows the aircraft and the lav truck slamming their brakes. The truck operator then rushes out of his vehicle to attend to the fallen wing walker and several other people working nearby. A police report following the incident says that she was found “bleeding from the head but was stable” and that she was transported to nearby Grady Hospital. The police report goes on to say that the lav truck driver was “looking down at his assignment tablet” just before striking the ramp worker. Police cited him, his badge was confiscated, and he was escorted from the airport.

Her mother, Chanelle Harris, said those who rushed to her aid initially thought the teenage ramp worker had died. “Believed to be dead and without breath, she regained consciousness and was rushed to Grady Hospital in Atlanta,” her mother said. “Thank you, God, for sending my baby back to us.”

Her mother also said that Camdyn was facing a long recovery.  “Thankfully, her spine was left intact,” Harris said of her daughter’s injuries. “But Camdyn suffered many broken bones in her face, a fractured skull, and a serious concussion. She has had difficulty finding her words and remembering things since the incident. We pray for a full recovery, but know that it will be a long one that will require much love, attention and support,” she continued.

 

The tragic incident was a major topic at Machinists Union District 141 Safety Conference, held this year in Orlando. The Safety Conference brings front-line airline workers, members of airline management and other safety experts together each year to discuss ways to make airports safer places to work.

Her mother asked that the video be shown, hoping it would lead to safer working conditions at Delta and other airlines. Since first appearing on Twitter, it has quickly gone viral, having been picked up by local media outlets. 

In a statement reported by Local News Outlet Fox News 5, Delta Air Lines sought to minimize the accident, stressing that Camdyn’s injuries were only “non-life-threatening.” 

“Delta teams are fully investigating an accident involving an employee injury in Atlanta on Saturday evening, as nothing is more important than the safety of our people and our customers,” the message read. “The employee was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.”

It’s unclear if Delta is resisting a workers’ compensation claim or offering other financial assistance to Camdyn or her family. Her mother has started a GoFundMe page to ask for help from the public. As of December 15, five days after the accident, the page had collected $1,247.

UPDATE: Donations to Camdyn Harris and her family have increased since this article was written. Donations have poured in from around the nation and will likely reach several thousand dollars by this weekend. Currently, more than $5,000 in donations have been made. 

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Dennis Spencer Named New Safety Director for American, Spirit

Dennis Spencer Named New Safety Director for American, Spirit

Oct 18, 2022 | American, Front Page, Page Five, Page Four, Page Three, Page Two, Perusals, Row 2, Safety, Spirit

Dennis Spencer Named Safety Director for American, Spirit Members

Safety
18 October 2022

Dennis Spencer, Safety Chairman from Local Lodge 1776, has been appointed to Safety Director for District 141, overseeing safety programs for Union Members at American Airlines and Spirit.

The promotion was announced at the District Convention in September and became official on October 1. Dennis will be taking the helm following the retirement of Tony D’Aloiso, who held the position for years.

Dennis Spencer is a well-respected safety professional who has worked in the airline industry for over 30 years. Hired initially as a  Catering Agent at US Air in 1989, Dennis worked his way up to Station Trainer, navigating through a merger with American Airlines along the way. 

In 2008, Spencer decided to enter the world of Union Activism and immediately made an impact; he became a Union Steward, Headed up the Safety Committee as Chairman, and served as a Local Trustee – all in the space of a single year.

“I am very competitive in everything I do,” Spencer said of his rapid rise in the union. But, he stressed that his goal has always been clearly trained on the purpose of safety. “Our members have a very physically demanding job,” he said. “There’s a lot of involved in what they do. I feel a deep sense of responsibility to do everything I possibly can to keep our members safe on the job.”

Dennis will coordinate and lead safety initiatives for American Airlines members across the country in his new role. Among his many responsibilities, he will help ensure the safety and health of all fleet service members for American Airlines and fleet service members of Spirit Airlines in (FLL). His jobs will include serving as the primary member of the GSAP ERC Board, making him responsible for all GSAPs filed by Machinists Union Members.

He will also continue to administer the UnionSafe141.org website, which was the subject of special praise at the District 141 Committee Conference, held earlier this year. “I have no doubt that this website has saved lives,” said District Media Director Eric Price at the time. “The site that Spencer’s running allows anyone to report, track and record safety concerns – on the scene, right from their cellphones,” he said. “The work that Spencer’s doing is truly, truly groundbreaking,” he continued, pointing out that the safety tracking done by Spencer at American has won many court cases and prompted sweeping, nationwide changes in how American Airlines operates. 

District 141 President Mike Klemm released a statement saying, “Dennis Spencer is a proven leader with a wealth of experience in aviation safety. I am confident he will do an outstanding job in his new role as Safety Director at the District. I can’t wait to see what his imagination and energy are able to accomplish at the national level.”

“I am honored to be given this opportunity to lead the safety program for District 141, and I will do everything in my power to protect our members,” Spencer said of his assignment. He thanked his family for their patience over the years, as his work often requires long hours and extended time in the field. “And Tony D’Alosio. He was very instrumental in my development professionally and personally, preparing me for the role.”

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Dennis Spencer Named Safet Director for American, Spirit Airlines

18 October, 2022

Dennis Spencer, Safety Chairman from Local Lodge 1776, has been appointed to Safety Director for District 141, overseeing safety programs for Union Members at American Airlines and Spirit.

 The promotion was announced at the District Convention in September and became official on October 1. Dennis will be taking the helm following the retirement of Tony D’Aloiso, who held the position for years.

Dennis Spencer is a well-respected safety professional who has worked in the airline industry for over 30 years. Hired initially as a  Catering Agent at US Air in 1989, Dennis worked his way up to Station Trainer, navigating through a merger with American Airlines along the way. 

In 2008, Spencer decided to enter the world of Union Activism and immediately made an impact; he became a Union Steward, Headed up the Safety Committee as Chairman, and served as a Local Trustee – all in the space of a single year.

“I am very competitive in everything I do,” Spencer said of his rapid rise in the union. But, he stressed that his goal has always been clearly trained on the purpose of safety. “Our members have a very physically demanding job,” he said. “There’s a lot of involved in what they do. I feel a deep sense of responsibility to do everything I possibly can to keep our members safe on the job.”

Dennis will coordinate and lead safety initiatives for American Airlines members across the country in his new role. Among his many responsibilities, he will help ensure the safety and health of all fleet service members for American Airlines and fleet service members of Spirit Airlines in (FLL). His jobs will include serving as the primary member of the GSAP ERC Board, making him responsible for all GSAPs filed by Machinists Union Members.

He will also continue to administer the UnionSafe141.org website, which was the subject of special praise at the District 141 Committee Conference, held earlier this year. “I have no doubt that this website has saved lives,” said District Media Director Eric Price at the time. “The site that Spencer’s running allows anyone to report, track and record safety concerns – on the scene, right from their cellphones,” he said. “The work that Spencer’s doing is truly, truly groundbreaking,” he continued, pointing out that the safety tracking done by Spencer at American has won many court cases and prompted sweeping, nationwide changes in how American Airlines operates. 

District 141 President Mike Klemm released a statement saying, “Dennis Spencer is a proven leader with a wealth of experience in aviation safety. I am confident he will do an outstanding job in his new role as Safety Director at the District. I can’t wait to see what his imagination and energy are able to accomplish at the national level.”

“I am honored to be given this opportunity to lead the safety program for District 141, and I will do everything in my power to protect our members,” Spencer said of his assignment. He thanked his family for their patience over the years, as his work often requires long hours and extended time in the field. “And Tony D’Alosio. He was very instrumental in my development professionally and personally, preparing me for the role.”

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Hurricane Ian: Emergency Toolkit

Hurricane Ian: Emergency Toolkit

Sep 28, 2022 | EAP, Front Page, Page Four, Page Three, Page Two, Row 2, Safety, Uncategorized

Hurricane Ian: Emergency Toolkit

IAM141 EAP
28 September 2022

Florida’s airports are being hammered with sustained winds of over 150 mph from Ian, which is on the cusp of becoming a Category 5 Hurricane. A hurricane of this magnitude passing over an area as heavily-populated as Ian represents a catastrophic event for the United States.

The monstrous storm is expected to cut a swathe towards Orlando tonight. The system has already wrought devastation on Florida’s southwest coast over Sanibel Island and Captiva Islands, where it made landfall this afternoon. It will significantly impact every airport in the region, including FLL, MCO, MIA, and TPA, among many others.

If you have loved ones in any part of the state, they may find themselves without power or reliable internet access over the next few days. We have compiled a list of emergency contact information that could be helpful to those affected by this storm. This information should be kept on hand, even by those outside the state, in case friends and family inside Florida reach out for contact.

We stand in Solidarity with our sisters and brothers in Florida.

Disaster Distress Helpline

  • 1-800-985-5990

Call 800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” for English or “Hablanos” for Spanish to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.

Florida Emergency Information

  • 1-800-342-3557

The State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) provides additional resources for Floridians to get current information about Hurricane Ian.

FEMA Registration

  • 800-621-3362
  • TTY 800-462-7585

Price Gouging

Florida State law forbids excessive price hikes for items such as food, water, lodging, gasoline, and construction materials, among other things, during declared emergencies.

Elder Affairs

  • 800-963-5337

Mobile Apps

County Information

Citrus County

  • 352-249-2775 (open during emergencies or disasters)

DeSoto County

  • 863-993-4831

Hardee County

  • 863-773-6373

Hernando County

  • 352-754-4083
  • Recorded message line: 352-754-4111

Highlands County

  • 863-402-6800

Hillsborough County

  • 813-272-6600

Manatee County

  • 941-749-3500

Orange County

  • 407-836-3111

Pasco County

  • 727-847-8137

Pinellas County

  • 727-464-3800

Polk County

  • 863-298-7000

Sarasota County

  • 941-861-5000

 

 

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Hurricane Ian: Emergency Toolkit

IAM141 EAP
28 September 2022

 

Florida’s airports are being hammered with sustained winds of over 150 mph from Ian, which is on the cusp of becoming a Category 5 Hurricane. A hurricane of this magnitude passing over an area as heavily-populated as Ian represents a catastrophic event for the United States. 

 

The monstrous storm is expected to cut a swathe towards Orlando tonight. The system has already wrought devastation on Florida’s southwest coast over Sanibel Island and Captiva Islands, where it made landfall this afternoon. It will significantly impact every airport in the region, including FLL, MCO, MIA, and TPA, among many others.

 

If you have loved ones in any part of the state, they may find themselves without power or reliable internet access over the next few days. We have compiled a list of emergency contact information that could be helpful to those affected by this storm. This information should be kept on hand, even by those outside the state, in case friends and family inside Florida reach out for contact.

 

We stand in Solidarity with our sisters and brothers in Florida.

 

Disaster Distress Helpline

  • 1-800-985-5990

Call 800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” for English or “Hablanos” for Spanish to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.

 

Florida Emergency Information

  • 1-800-342-3557

The State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) provides additional resources for Floridians to get current information about Hurricane Ian.

 

FEMA Registration

  • 800-621-3362
  • TTY 800-462-7585

 

Price Gouging

Florida State law forbids excessive price hikes for items such as food, water, lodging, gasoline, and construction materials, among other things, during declared emergencies.

 

Elder Affairs

  • 800-963-5337

Mobile Apps

County Information

Citrus County

  • 352-249-2775 (open during emergencies or disasters)

DeSoto County

  • 863-993-4831

Hardee County

 

  • 863-773-6373

Hernando County

  • 352-754-4083
  • Recorded message line: 352-754-4111

Highlands County

  • 863-402-6800

Hillsborough County

  • 813-272-6600

Manatee County

  • 941-749-3500

Orange County

  • 407-836-3111

Pasco County

  • 727-847-8137

Pinellas County

 

  • 727-464-3800

Polk County

  • 863-298-7000

Sarasota County

  • 941-861-5000

 

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Machinists Union Supports Bill to Toughen Safety Rules for Foreign Repair Stations

Machinists Union Supports Bill to Toughen Safety Rules for Foreign Repair Stations

Jun 17, 2022 | Front Page, GOIAM Stories, Page Five, Page Four, Page Three, Page Two, Row 2, Safety, Uncategorized

Machinists Union Supports Bill to Toughen Safety Rules for Foreign Repair Stations

GoIAM.org
17 June 2022

Washington, June 16, 2022 – The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) applauds the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for approving the Global Aircraft Maintenance Safety Improvement Act (H.R. 7321). 

The panel’s action advances the legislation for full House floor consideration of DeFazio’s bill, which would include measures such as unannounced FAA inspections of foreign repair stations, and set minimum qualifications for mechanics and other workers, including drug testing and background checks.

“Our hard-working members take pride in making sure their work at carriers such as American Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and others focuses on safety regulations set by the federal government,” said IAM Air Transport General Vice President Richard Johnsen. “It’s only fair that their counterparts working at facilities overseas abide by such high U.S. standards.”

The IAM is the largest airline union in North America, representing over 100,000 airline workers.

“I want to thank Chairman DeFazio for introducing this very important legislation that will help ensure airline passenger safety is a top priority globally,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez, Jr. “The lack of uniform regulatory standards and oversight sets an unlevel field with carriers increasingly enticed by the financial incentives to push this work overseas. This results in job losses in the U.S. and risks passenger safety.”

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 900 aircraft maintenance and repair stations have been certified by the FAA outside the U.S., which includes countries such as China, Singapore, and Brazil.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is one of the largest and most diverse industrial trade unions in North America, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries.

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