Each year in the air transport industry, the HSE receives incident reports of employees injuring themselves through manual handling. The majority of these injuries result from baggage handling[1].
Other work activities, such as cargo handling, pushing/pulling work equipment such as aircraft steps/baggage dollies etc are also high-risk in relation to employees sustaining a MSD.
Employees are also at risk of sustaining a MSD when assisting disabled or reduced mobility passengers[2] unless this activity is suitably managed.
What you need to do:
These simple measures should help to reduce the risk of MSD.
- Avoid manual handling for example by using suitable mechanical handling aids such as belt loaders, motorised aircraft steps etc.
- Maintain any mechanical handling aids provided.
- Train all people using the mechanical handling aids to use them safely.
- Support the above measures with suitable training in safe handling techniques[3]
Case study: Liverpool John Lennon Airport - motorised tugs reduce manual handling of aircraft steps
This case study is provided by Liverpool John Lennon Airport who adapted a motorised electric tug to assist in moving aircraft steps.