Common risks baggage handlers face

Overexertion injury risks

The potential for overexertion can be one of the largest injury risks for baggage handlers on the job. In addition to handling travelers’ baggage and other cargo, workers also often have to push or pull carts and cargo bins, and position belt loaders. These items and equipment can be heavy, oversized or oddly shaped. As a result, loading and unloading baggage, as well as moving certain equipment, can result in risks including:

• The possibility of an agent having to put their body into awkward positions or work in limited spaces.
• The potential for suffering a repetitive motion injury.
• The danger of lifting a load that is too heavy or carrying items of uneven weights.
• Beyond these workplace dangers, baggage agents also run the risk of using excessive force or performing extended reaches.
• The chance of not providing their body with adequate time to recover from exertions. 

Overexertion dangers such as these can cause a range of injuries with differing severities, including strains, sprains and pulled muscles, in addition to other musculoskeletal injuries.

Potential equipment dangers

Baggage handlers can be struck by, or otherwise come into contact with, belt loaders and other tools. It is possible for articles of clothing or body parts to get stuck, snagged or pulled into equipment. Straps and handles on luggage and bags can break, or easily be caught or snagged on belt loaders, which can result in a worker injury. Bags and cargo are often tucked and stacked on carts and in cargo holds. In the event the bags fall, workers could be injured by bags falling on them, as well as while reaching out, or otherwise attempting to prevent the bags from falling.

Baggage handlers can suffer injuries, including bruises, cuts, crushing injuries and brain injuries due to incidents and accidents involving equipment.

Weather conditions

Much of baggage handlers’ work is done outdoors. As a result, workers are subjected to the weather conditions. During the winter months, snow, ice and low temperatures can be hazardous for workers. Excessive heat during the summer months can also be dangerous.

Workers can slip, fall or trip on slick surfaces from ice or snow. There is also a risk for heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses.

When baggage handlers suffer these injuries, they may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Workers in this field, who have sustained an injury at work, may find it helpful to discuss their case with an attorney to understand what they may be entitled to.