Ergonomic Risk Assessment of Baggage Handlers in Helipad Operations

Baggage handlers' tasks in the aviation industry involve several M Handling (MH) activities with exposures to ergonomic risks and inherent potential for musculoskeletal disorders. Increased complaints of musculoskeletal disease among aviation workers, particularly baggage handlers in Warri Delta State in Nigeria, necessitated a detailed ergonomic risk assessment of their activities. Using modern tools such as ergonomic risk factors checklist, RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment), Mital assessment, Dempsey and 3D Static Strength Prediction Program (3D SSPP); it was found that while the weight of the individual bag was acceptable to ergonomic limits, loaded carts of passenger's bag were too heavy to push or pull. As a remedial strategy, it will be efficient to use a tractor to move a loaded baggage cart. Alternatively, the cartwheel should be modified to reduce the friction grip on the floor during pushing or pulling. A procedural strategy for reducing the maximum allowable weight of each bag to less than 17kg and ensuring that passengers carry bags with handles to foster coupling. To further reduce the exposure to lifting bag loads into the helicopter boot, a mini-chain crane can be mounted on the cart and hoist bags into the boot of the helicopter.