Pack Less campaign puts focus on injuries to baggage handlers
May 3, 2011
Airline workers have used Workers’ Memorial Day, 28 April, to turn the spotlight on the danger of injuries caused by handling heavy luggage. As part of the ongoing Pack Less campaign, ITF affiliated unions in Romania and the UK were among those explaining to passengers the hazards they face caused by heavy baggage.
Gabriel Mocho, ITF civil aviation section secretary, explained: “Baggage handlers are the forgotten people of health and safety legislation; luggage doesn’t have to follow the weight limits laid down in most other industries. Couple that with having to move it in restricted areas such as aircraft holds and you practically have an invitation to musculoskeletal disorders.”
He continued: “We would like to see a maximum limit of 23kg per item, with a phased reduction to 15kg, and hand luggage limited to 6kg to avoid the danger to crews and passengers alike from heavy items in overhead lockers. Until these kinds of safer and more reasonable levels are brought in we have to keep trying to influence the policy makers, and asking passengers to pack less.”
For more details of the campaign please see www.itfglobal.org/campaigns/packless.cfm