Ergonomic research study on aircraft luggage handling

Area of Science:

• Occupational health and safety
• Ergonomics
• Transportation safety

Background:

• Manual load handling of freight and luggage at airports often occurs in height-restricted environments.
• Previous studies identified potential strain bottlenecks during loading tasks in aircraft holds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To classify typical performance conditions for manual load handling at a German airport.
• To evaluate the ergonomic strain on aircraft handlers using epidemiological, physiological, and biomechanical methods.
• To analyze the impact of work weight and object weight on physiological and subjective measures.

Main Methods:

• Classification of manual load handling tasks under typical performance conditions.
• Application of epidemiological, physiological, and biomechanical evaluation methods.
• Laboratory study investigating the influence of weight on heart rate, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and handling volume.

Main Results:

• Epidemiological, physiological, and biomechanical data indicated a significant strain bottleneck during loading tasks within aircraft holds.
• Laboratory analysis revealed correlations between work weight, object weight, heart rate, RPE, and the number of objects handled.
• A specific lifting and carrying training program was developed for aircraft handlers.

Conclusions:

• Manual load handling in height-restricted airport workplaces, particularly aircraft holds, poses a significant ergonomic challenge.
• The developed training program aims to mitigate strain on the postural and locomotor system through optimized work techniques.
• The training combines theoretical instruction and practical, supervised exercises to enhance handler safety and efficiency.