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.
Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD’s) are responsible for 40% of all personal injury incidents at airports reported to HSE, of this figure the majority are reported by ground handlers. The loading and unloading of passenger bags onto narrow bodied aircraft for passenger usage has been of concern to both the air industry, HSE and other European enforcement agencies for many years now.
MSDs can arise from a sudden exertion (e.g., lifting a heavy object), or they can arise from making the same motions repeatedly repetitive strain, or from repeated exposure to force, vibration, or awkward posture. 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 unless this activity is suitably managed.
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are injuries or pain in the joints, ligaments, muscles, nerves, tendons, and structures that support limbs, neck and back.
MSDs are degenerative diseases and inflammatory conditions that cause pain and impair normal activities. They can affect many different parts of the body including upper and lower back, neck, shoulders and extremities (arms, legs, feet, and hands).
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
What can be done to help prevent manual handling injuries?
Answer: In simple terms, the main thing is a risk assessment, though there are other considerations:
Firstly, does the load need to be moved at all?
If so, can it be moved mechanically?
For example by using a handling aid, such as a pallet truck, an electric or hand-powered hoist, or a conveyor?
If manual lifting is the only option then there are a number of things that can be done to reduce the risk, including;
Making the load smaller or lighter and easier to lift,
Breaking up large consignments into more manageable loads,
Modifying the workstation to reduce carrying distances, twisting movements, or the lifting of things from floor level or from above shoulder height,
Improving the environment – e g better lighting, flooring or air temperature can sometimes make manual handling easier and safer,
Ensuring the person doing the lifting has been trained to lift as safely as possible.
Sofema Aviation Services provides a range of EASA compliant Aviation Regulatory and Vocational training for details please see www.sassofia.com or email office@sassofia.com
