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TSA worker attacks with box cutter

While on the job, no less.

http://www.ajc.com/news/news/tsa-wor...ith-box/ngCbH/

Quote:

According to an Atlanta police report, it was a box cutter that Johnson pulled from his pocket. A TSA spokesperson told Channel 2 that Johnson, who screens checked baggage, was authorized to have the box cutter.

Vickers (the guy who was cut) went to an area he wasn't authorized to be in - but apparently was free to access unchallenged.

One lucky man - that cut is very close to his eye. I wonder if the box cutter is a TSA tool (like bolt cutters) that is there for the baggage screeners to use to get into locked bags, or if it's something he brings back and forth to work with him every day.

But... they had background checks! How could this have happened?? :confused:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spiff (Post 22983084)

But... they had background checks! How could this have happened?? :confused:

It wasn't in his background, it was 'artfully concealed' in his pocket. :p

Perhaps he'd be in less trouble if he'd used a <2" blade - or a knitting needle. But it's a lot harder to get into someone's locked bag with those tools.

Turns out those AFS folks are correct. Box cutters really are dangerous.

Mike

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeef (Post 22983495)

Turns out those AFS folks are correct. Box cutters really are dangerous.

Only in the hands of TSA.

So if Vickers goes out on disability or sues TSA for a coworker attacking him the public pays.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yoshi212 (Post 22986797)

So if Vickers goes out on disability or sues TSA for a coworker attacking him the public pays.

technically, the Workers' Comp carrier/administrator (funded by the employer, which is funded by the public) pays. They could subrogate the costs back to the attacker, but as he's also a TSA employee, I'm guessing he doesn't have significant assets to recover.

He can't sue the TSA over this as WC is an exclusive remedy.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cynicAAl (Post 22990144)

Not necessarily.

Quote:

On the other hand, random or even planned assaults or murders that happen in the workplace are often not covered. In one notable case, Carnes v. Tremco Mfg. Co., an employee was murdered inside the workplace by one of her co-workers. However, the reason for the murder was that the two had broken off an extra-marital affair. After that, the co-worker had stalked the worker both inside and outside the workplace. The Kentucky Supreme Court concluded that the workplace and nature of their work neither “exacerbated” nor “precipitated” the murder, and thus denied comp benefits to the widower.

And this:

Quote:

The court also quoted a previous decision: “Where an employee is assaulted and injury is inflicted upon him through personal animosity arising over some cause wholly disconnected with the employer’s business, no recovery can be had even though he is assaulted when in the discharge of his duties.”

Quote:

Originally Posted by chollie (Post 22983105)

Right! It was artfully concealed. No one try to sneaks the boxcutters beyond at security. He could get big trouble for that. He can't bring the boxcutters into the bag room. No one! Don't do it! Don't bring the boxcutters.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeef (Post 22983495)

Turns out those AFS folks are correct. Box cutters really are dangerous.

Mike

Yes, you're absolutely right! It could be very extremely dangerous. Don't bring the boxcutters.