12.14.09
Airline Workers at Significant Risk Due To Heavy Baggage Handling
Airline workers are found to be significantly more at risk of developing musculoskeletal problems and related ailments owing to the heavy carrying, unloading and moving they are required to do with passengers’ baggage. An appeal is being made to passengers and authorities alike to realize the significant contribution reduction in baggage weight can make in protecting the health of workers in these areas.
A call is being made by Union Unite to passengers and authorities alike to reduce maximum limit of baggage weight from 32 kgs to 23 kgs. The union believes that this can significantly reduce the incidence of ailments like lower back, shoulder and knee strain that most baggage handlers suffer from. The campaign called ‘Lighten up’ is being promoted to call for serious regulatory provisions to ensure carrying of less baggage.
Though the call is supported by the aviation arm of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and also by IATA, no regulation has been made yet.
The move to reduce baggage has already been introduced by some airlines. Thompsons, the charter company, has been one of the first to do so, and it now instructs customers to stick to the 23 kgs limit. Other airlines are waiting for an industry wise regulation to follow this rule.
Steve Turner, Unite national officer, pointed out in this regard that baggage handling is not purely automated as people usually believe. Many a time, baggage is manually moved, carried and hoisted by airline handlers who end up lifting the weight of an elephant by end of the day. These workers are five times more likely to develop musculoskeletal disorders than any other professional.
Health and safety law places duties on organisations and employers with the responsibility for health and safety. IOSH training from Workplace Law is designed to give managers and supervisors all they need to know to help their organisation find the best ways to lead and promote health and safety, and therefore meet its legal obligations.
