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Industrialsafetytalk: Health and Safety Legislation
News Release from: HSE Health and Safety Executive
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 21 April 2006
HSE wins Menzies Aviation tribunal
appeal
The Health and Safety Executive has successfully defended an appeal by Menzies Aviation (UK) against an Improvement Notice relating to the manual handling of baggage on and off aircraft.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has successfully defended an appeal by Menzies Aviation (UK) 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 musculo-skeletal disorders (MSDs) such as back pain and joint injuries
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 1 Jul 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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"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".
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