NIOSH logo and tagline

Reducing Musculoskeletal Disorders among Airport Baggage Screeners and Handlers

 

August 2015
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication Number 2015-201
Cover page for publication 2015-201

Baggage screeners and handlers at airports are exposed to manual baggage lifting and handling that are associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) evaluated two mechanical lift aids to determine if they could reduce the risk of WMSDs. The two mechanical lift aids reduced some physical WMSD risk factors such as hand loading and spinal compression force.