European Transport Workers’ Federation Looks to Reduce Baggage Weight
March 10th, 2010
In a move to protect baggage handlers from injuries, passengers at airports in the
The current maximum weight allowed for a bag is 32 kgs. Saying that this is excessive, Unite is asking airless to bring it down to 23kg per bag. Unite’s “pack less” campaign has the full support of the HSE Aviation Industry Committee and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Steve Turner of Unite, discussing the problems these workers have to face stated that the bag handlers carry heavy weights daily, in some instances, the total weight they handle is equal to the weight of an elephant. He said that workers in this area were always open to the risk of severe injuries and, in certain cases permanent disabilities, especially when they work in confined spaces, which makes it more difficult for them to maintain good posture when handling weight.
Mr. Turner further commented on the fact that most passengers were under the misconception that their bags are handled by machines throughout the duration of their journey. In reality, a bag could actually be lifted nearly 12 times before reaching its final destination. Unite is urging the government to work towards implementing measures to prevent injuries of these baggage handlers. The European Commission is also proposing to introduce regulations that will reduce the number of musculoskeletal injuries in European workers.
The ‘pack less’ campaign is being introduced in all major airports in the UK and Europe and an event it planned at Heathrow at London where passengers will be given leaflets by the European Transport Workers’ Federation educating them on the hazards of excess weights in their bags. Events will also be held at
‘Working Safely’ is for those staff who are exposed to common workplace hazards on a day to day basis and who need a basic grounding in the essentials of health and safety. The IOSH working safely programme is therefore especially suited to operatives within most organisations as it covers a broad range of common workplace hazards.











