December 15, 2009 - On Monday Occupational Safety And Health Administration (OSHA) cited American Airlines over an employee death and two other OSHA violations. Thomas Jukovich "Smiley", age 43, of Miami FL, was employed for American Airlines as a Ramp Manager for customer service when on May 19, 2009, while on ladder servicing a red-eye flight to Sao Paolo, Brazil, Jukovich fell onto the rain drenched tarmac at Miami International Airport. Firefighters stationed at the airport reported that Jukovich was already dead when they arrived to the accident site.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration reported that they found three serious violations while investigating death of Thomas Jukovich at American Airlines at Miami International Airport. 

1) Employees exposed to a fall hazard,

2) The airline failed to assess workplace hazards requiring protective equipment,

3) The airline didn't ensure employees wore protective footwear while operating the luggage lift

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration report indicated that Jukovich was holding documents in his left hand and a radio in his right hand while descending the ladder.

Congress created OSHA under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, which was signed by President Richard M. Nixon on December 29, 1970. OSHA's mission is to prevent work-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths. Since the agency was created in 1971, occupational deaths have been cut by 62% and injuries have declined by 42%. 

In 2005, there were 4.2 million occupational injuries and illnesses among U.S. employees. Approximately 4.6 of every 100 employees experienced a job-related injury or illness, and in 2006, 5,703 employees lost their lives on the job.

OSHA penalties range from $0 to $70,000, depending upon how likely the violation is to result in serious harm to employees. Other-than-serious violations often carry no penalties but may result in penalties of up to $7,000. Serious violations may have penalties up to $7,000. Repeat and willful violations may have penalties as high as $70,000. Penalties may be discounted if an employer has a small number of employees, has demonstrated good faith, or has few or no previous violations.

In 2008, 5,0171 workers died on the job.