Alleged mid-air assault reveals workplace violence in the airline industry continues
We have previously discussed on this blog our concerns over reports of what appears to be increased workplace-related violence in the airline industry occurring at airports and during flights.
Video taken by a passenger of American Airlines Flight 377 from Mexico to Los Angeles on September 21, 2022 depicts the apparent mid-air assault of a flight attendant by a fellow passenger.
Above: Screen shot from video acquired by ABC News.
It has been reported the alleged perpetrator was taken into custody after the plane landed at LAX on suspicion of interfering with a flight crew, a federal offense. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (F.B.I.) is handling the investigation
American Airlines issued a statement regarding the attack, declaring that acts of violence against crew members will not be tolerated. The airline also stated the passenger who "physically assaulted a flight attendant" will never be permitted "to travel with us in the future."
While Flight 377 was able to land at its destination, earlier this year another American Airlines flight had to be diverted due to an unruly passenger.
In February 2022, American Airlines issued a statement reporting Flight 1775 which had been headed from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. was forced to land in Kansas City due to a passenger's "erratic behavior." Certain reports from passengers alleged the man in question had attempted to enter the cockpit area.
Above: February 13, 2022 Twitter notification from 7News DC/WJLA.com https://wjla.com/news/local/unruly-passenger-american-airlines-flight-from-la-to-dc-diverted-to-kansas-city-lax-dca-mci
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) at least 2,000,000 Americans fall victim to workplace violence each year.
The WVPI urges all employers of human resources to implement proactive workplace violence prevention programs.
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