OSHA’s Ergonomic Tips Could Prevent Worker Injuries, Save Companies Time And Money

With ramp turnover a constant and employee training at a premium, free government resources available on OSHA’s website can provide some helpful tips for supervisors and managers looking to reduce the impact on their operations from common workplace injuries caused by the manual loading and unloading of aircraft.  OSHA’s website has some excellent suggestions - specifically aimed at ramp workers - for preventing common worker injuries that cost companies in terms of time off from work, reduced productivity and worker’s comp and disability claims. 

While I frequently write about accidents and incidents that cause significant aircraft or equipment damage or severe worker injuries and even death, the strains and sprains that occur on the ramp every day can have a large and continuing impact on an operation’s schedule and bottom-line, not to mention the employee’s well-being.  Many of the injuries would be considered minor if they occurred just one time, but when repeated week after week, they can result in chronic pain and even lead to permanent disabilities. 

OSHA’s tips can be found at https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/baggagehandling/ramp_manual.html.  They are particularly helpful because they clearly identify the hazard and spell out potential solutions.  Unfortunately, I was only able to find these tips in English.  If your workforce has many non-native speakers of English, it might pay to have these tips translated into the workers’ native language.