Ergonomics Alliance For Baggage Handlers
By Leon Groom

In accordance with 12 airlines, OSHA and National Safety Council (NSC), an ergonomics alliance was created approximately four years ago with an agreement for baggage handlers. Ed Foulke, administrator of OSHA, signed this renewal on June 14th as one of its first Alliance Program agreements in advancing workplace health conditions and safety programs.

Ed Foulke once said that "This Alliance" was in hopes that they would have a long-term business relationship with the industry. His ultimate goal was to gather ideas to help to improve the workplace environment with a special emphasis on the aviation industry. The group's eagerness to continue this relationship demonstrates just how much we can do together for the safety of employees."

In addition to the first alliance program agreement, Industry Alliance and OSHA have completed an assortment of other projects. "A Guide to Packing for Business and Personal Travel" pamphlet, as well as the "Ergonomics for Baggage Handlers Training Manual" are among two of the many programs achieved. OSHA and the Alliance contributors have updated a web-based e-Tool for training on Baggage Handling and are in the process of working on a training manual for the ergonomics e-Tool. Industry is a Safety and Health Topics page operating on OSHA's website.

This renewal encourages continued health and safety focus in various subjects of ergonomics, especially when it relates to the handling of checked baggage by passengers. Contributors will also form a seminar and disseminate details to interested parties, international organizations and alternative regulatory agencies in reference to issues of baggage handling.

The Alliance consists of the following 12 airlines: AirTran Airways, US Airways, United Airlines, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Continental Airlines, Midwest Airlines, ATA Airlines, JetBlue Airways, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines. This



is all, of course, in addition to NSC's International Air Transport Section and OSHA.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are very much responsible for generating a healthy and safe workplace for all employees. The role of OSHA is to ascertain the health and safety of working men and women in America by enforcing and setting certain standards; supplying outreach, education and training; encouraging the continued improvement process in the workplace health and safety, and establishing partnerships. Other corporations and business interest groups have already taken notice and are currently working on programs to foster ergonomics in the workplace. http://www.osha.gov offers more information regarding this Alliance Program.