Leave Baggage-Handling Injuries Ashore with These Tips From OSHA

Sprains, strains, and aching backs are among the most common occupational injuries in any field—and in jobs with multiple risk factors, workers are at increased risk of such injuries. Baggage handlers in the cruise ship industry are one group at increased risk; their job requires lifting and moving baggage and supplies with irregular sizes and weights in what are often cramped quarters where workers are forced into awkward bending, crawling, and crouching positions.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) new fact sheet on ergonomic injury prevention for baggage handlers at cruise ship terminals provides tips for protecting these workers. But the tips are not just applicable in one industry; other employers may see similar hazards in their workplaces and find the advice useful.

Preventing Ergonomic Injuries

To prevent ergonomic injuries in baggage handlers, OSHA recommends:

The use of safe lifting and loading techniques. Go beyond “lift with your legs, not with your back” and “turn, don’t twist.” Administrative and work practice controls that can protect workers include:

• Color-coded tags. The same tags that are used to provide baggage sorting information can also give workers an idea how much each bag weighs, reducing the likelihood that workers will try to lift a bag that is too heavy.
• Warm ups. Before starting each shift, workers should arm up their muscles by doing gentle range of motion movements similar to those used during the task.
• Weight watching. Workers should never assume they can tell an object’s weight based on size. They should check for tags that indicate any heavy or overweight baggage or should try out the load first by pushing it or lifting a corner. If it is too heavy, workers should get help.
• Team lifting. Workers should not lift awkwardly shaped baggage. Instead, they should grab a partner or use mechanical material-handling devices.
• Rolling along. In order to minimize the range of motion needed for a lift, make sure workers have a cart or cage positioned nearby.
• Routine maintenance. All equipment used by workers should be kept in good working order, including all safety features.
• Safety review. Preshift safety talks should be held before the start of baggage-related operations. The talks should include training on safe lifting techniques, equipment usage, and the safety procedures in place.
• Controlling traffic patterns. Passengers and baggage handlers sometimes share transportation routes, so it’s important to develop and enforce traffic patterns designed to separate passengers from baggage and supply-handling areas. These areas should be clearly marked and kept free of obstructions. Signage, stanchions, and barricades can be used to ensure the safety of all personnel.

Safe use of equipment. Mechanical lifting equipment is often intended to enhance safety, but it can pose hazards of its own. Make sure the equipment won’t create hazards by:

• Requiring trained personnel. Workers who are not trained in the operation of baggage handling equipment should not use it.
• Not using damaged equipment. Equipment that is not in good working order should be taken out of service and repaired.
• Keeping stacks low. When materials are stacked too high, workers are at risk of a crushing injury should a stack collapse.