E013:06 20 April 2006
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has successfully defended an appeal by Menzies Aviation (UK) Ltd against an Improvement Notice served on the company relating to the manual handling of baggage on and off aircraft at Manchester Airport. Baggage handlers are at particular risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) such as back pain and joint injuries.
"Providing the right kind of assistance is vital," said Christine Barringer, speaking for HSE's Transportation Section. "MSDs are responsible for around 40% of all personal injury incidents at airports reported to HSE, the majority affecting ground handlers. Taking proper measures to control the risks reduces the level of injury and pain suffered by employees."
The Notice was served on 13 May 2005 following a visit by an HSE inspector to Manchester Airport. The inspector was concerned that the system of work being used by employees of Menzies Aviation to load luggage on and off Boeing 737 aircraft did not adequately control risks, including MSDs.
The Notice required Menzies Aviation to provide conveyors, or any other equally effective method, to assist in the loading and unloading of luggage to and from the carts used to take the luggage to and from the aircraft. These conveyors, commonly called belt loaders, are widely used in the industry not just in the UK but throughout Europe. Menzies Aviation will now have to comply with the Improvement Notice.
Christine Barringer continued: "The industry has already taken the initiative in reducing risks from baggage handling by introducing maximum bag weights. We see the increased use of lifting aids, such as belt loaders and other equipment, as another effective way for the industry to reduce risks further. Naturally, we're pleased that the Tribunal has upheld the Improvement Notice."
"The air transport industry, working with HSE, has set itself an ambitious target of a 50% reduction in the number of reported MSDs by 2010. HSE has worked closely with the industry to develop good practice and systems of work to reduce injuries and ill health, and this is beginning to be reflected in a decline in the number of reported MSD injuries. HSE believes that good health and safety is good business, as this will also reduce the financial and personal costs associated with MSDs. We look forward to continuing our work with the industry."
1 MSDs are the most common occupational illness in Great Britain, affecting one million people a year. They include problems such as lower back pain, joint injuries and repetitive strain injuries of various sorts. The most up to date figures (1995/96) show that MSDs cost society £5.7 billion. Further information on MSDs, including frequently asked questions, is available on the HSE website at www.hse.gov.uk/msd/index.htm
2 The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR) require the reporting of certain types of injuries and ill-health to HSE. The figures quoted relate to reported accidents in the industry categories of scheduled and non-scheduled air transport, and supporting services to air transport, such as baggage handling. More information on RIDDOR can be found at RIDDOR.
3 Analysis of HSE RIDDOR figures for the year 2003/4 show there were more than 800 reported cases of work-related MSD at airports.
4 HSE advice on baggage handling can be found at www.hse.gov.uk/airtransport/experience.htm. General information on managing health and safety in the air transport industry is available at www.hse.gov.uk/airtransport
5 A number of airports and ground handling companies signed up to HSE's 'Backs 2005' campaign. Their comments are available on the HSE website at www.hse.gov.uk/msd/backs/signup.htm
6 The tribunal hearing took place in Manchester over a total of nine days, both sides using expert evidence.
7 The Improvement Notice referred to alleged breaches of both the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Section 2 (1) and the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, Reg 4 (1)(b)(ii).
Section 2(1) of the HSW Act 1974 states:
"It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees".
Regulation 4(1)(b)(ii) of the Manual Handling Operations Regulations states:
Information about HSE's enforcement activities, including Improvement Notices, can be found at www.hse.gov.uk/enforce/index.htm
All enquiries from journalists should be directed to the HSE Press Office
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