1.12.18 – (LAA/LUS) – NIOSH Issues Report Regarding Uniform Reactions at American Airlines

Government Agency Issues Report Regarding the
Uniform Reactions at American Airlines

Today, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (“NIOSH”) released a report regarding the uniform reactions at American Airlines. NIOSH is a government agency that is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Among other things, NIOSH performs investigations (called “Health Hazard Evaluations”) of occupational safety and health issues.

NIOSH has been performing a Health Hazard Evaluation with respect to the uniforms at American Airlines since early last year. The report released today is the culmination of that investigation:

As described in the report, APFA cooperated with and provided information to NIOSH throughout its investigation. Importantly, among other conclusions, NIOSH found in its report that:

“[i]t is possible that textile chemicals in the uniforms or the physical irritant properties of the uniform fabrics have caused skin symptoms among some AA employees who wore the uniforms. Irritant and allergenic compounds were identified in some uniform garments, which could cause these skin symptoms.”

APFA is continuing to review the NIOSH report, and it will follow up with the Company regarding NIOSH’s conclusions, as appropriate, as part of its ongoing effort to make sure that all Flight Attendants are able to come to work in a uniform in which he or she feels safe and comfortable.

As we have said in the past, if you have concerns about your uniform, we strongly recommend that you seek out one of the alternatives that are available to you. If you have experienced a suspected reaction to your uniform, APFA highly encourages you to fill out a Uniform Reaction Report through the APFA website.

In addition, you should carefully document with your Flight Service Manager any and all occasions on which you experienced a uniform-related absence. You also should consider filing an IOD if you have experienced an injury or illness that you suspect is related to your uniform. If you have questions about filing an IOD, please contact Bellia Peckson at [email protected] , the LAA Rep on Duty at [email protected], or the LUS Rep on Duty at [email protected].

Marcy Dunaway
APFA National Secretary
[email protected]