One topic of discussion we heard from every GSE manager we talked with at last week’s International Airport Expo was on seat belts. They are definitely on the way. Recall the big news earlier this year when Delta agreed to install seat belts on all its GSE following the death of a ground handler.
About the only issue left to debate is on when a driver wouldn’t need to be belted. In some cases, it might be safer to be able to jump clear of the vehicle and do it fast.
Some raised the death of a Southwest ground handler who died when his vehicle collided with a passenger transport bus as an example. Then again, others pointed out that the worker no doubt wasn’t wearing a seatbelt anyway.
Most agreed that within close proximity of aircraft at the gate with other vehicles moving in and out of the area would be a safe bet that not wearing a seat belt would be safer.
What do you think? And what have you heard on this issue?
Please let us know. And if you happen to be in Atlanta this week for the Air Cargo Show, stop by our easy-to-remember booth, No. 333.
