Workplace Dangers For Baggage Handlers

Working in an airport may seem like an exciting job for many people, but it’s one that can be rife with dangers. Baggage handlers are especially prone to injuries due to the nature of their job. They often lift heavy bags and must do so under pressure, causing serious injuries. In fact, studies show that musculoskeletal pain is common among baggage handlers and other customer service agents at airports.

Baggage handlers must handle luggage in the terminal, on the tarmac, on the plane, and in many other places around the airport. Lifting these bags all day can lead to a variety of workplace injuries due to various working conditions. Read on to learn more about them.

Overexertion

Baggage handlers must lift and load heavy luggage as well as push and pull carts. When workers handle items that are too heavy, they can suffer from overexertion injuries.

Repetitive Motion Injuries

Constantly moving baggage is a series of repetitive motions that can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive stress injuries.

Falls

Baggage handlers can suffer falls if the tarmac can become slippery due to rain, ice, or snow. Plus, spills, debris, and other hazards in their work areas can lead to slips and falls.

Falling Luggage

If luggage or other items are stacked too high, they can fall onto a baggage handler. This can cause head injuries, fractures, and other injuries.

Vehicle Accidents

Baggage handlers must work around vehicles in the airport and on the tarmac. Whether they are driving or working around these vehicles, they can suffer serious injuries or death if they crash or are hit by a vehicle.

Caught in Machinery

Baggage handlers who work around machinery can have their hair, clothes, or body parts trapped in the machinery. This can lead to amputations or other permanent injuries.

Exposure to Weather

While baggage handlers may spend a lot of their time inside, they must also go outdoors—and often in extreme weather conditions, such as heat, rain, snow, and freezing conditions. This can lead to heat stroke, hypothermia, and other serious conditions.

Shift Work Disorder

Working at night or on rotating shifts can cause mental and emotional issues such as shift work disorder. This is a condition that can cause insomnia and concentration problems.

Common Injuries 

Baggage handlers and other airport workers may suffer the following injuries in the workplace: 

• Musculoskeletal disorders that affect the back, neck, arms, and shoulders
• Brain injuries and other head trauma
• Broken bones
• Spinal injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Amputations
• Weather-related conditions, such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, hypothermia, or frostbite

Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer Today

An employee can be injured in any workplace, even while at the airport. If you are a victim, seek legal help right away.

The Morristown work-related accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff can help you successfully recover compensation for your workplace injuries. Schedule a free consultation by calling (973) 455-1567 or filling out the online form.

Resource:

journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1071181319631368