Many physical challenges confront airport baggage handlers

Although COVID-19 has put a damper on travel for the past several months, people continue to rely on airlines to get around. And the traffic especially spikes during the holiday season. From an airport worker’s perspective, this is a good thing. As long as passengers take the proper precautions, they will ensure that workers maintain their jobs at airports in Trenton, Newark or New York City.

Among airport workers, baggage handlers have some of the most physically demanding jobs. Regularly lifting baggage that weighs more than 50 pounds, pushing heavy carts and containers can take a physical toll on a person’s body. Through job-related overexertion and constant repetitive motion, a baggage handler is susceptible to injuries that may prevent him or her from working.

Awkward lifting, painful injuries

Every day, baggage handlers face strenuous and difficult working conditions. As long as their employer provides proper training techniques and stresses the importance of safety, baggage handlers can perform their jobs with minimal risk.

However, awkward and unsafe lifting may lead to musculoskeletal injuries. Many such injuries and other ailments occur through:

Overexertion: Lifting, carrying and pushing heavy baggage can lead to injuries to the lower back, neck, shoulders and knees. Any of these injuries can lead to surgery. Muscles, tendons and ligaments also can sustain serious damage. Hernias and nerve damage are other hazards.
Constant repetitive motion: This action, too, can cause damage to ligaments and tendons, while also potentially leading to ailments such as carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis and tendonitis. Such maladies will hinder everyday activities.
Slips, trips and falls: Awkward lifting combined with slippery floors may lead to these situations, causing potentially serious injuries such as fractures and head injuries.

Airports employ many types of workers who face similar as well as different job-related hazards. If you are one of these workers, make sure that your employer is not negligent regarding safety matters.