Handling strategies of novice and experienced baggage handlers when using an extendable roller track conveyor in the cargo hold of a narrow-body aircraft

Abstract Objective: To observe manual load handling using an extendable roller track conveyor (ERC) in a kneeling posture in narrow-body aircrafts. Methods: At Brussels South Charleroi Airport, we filmed 58 workers with different levels of experience, experienced and novices, loading and unloading aircrafts. Results: The sequences showed different strategies of the handlers and were sorted according to ergonomic criteria. Conclusions: Video observation can be useful to analyse and improve posture at work, especially when comparing experienced and novices. A more specific training, using videos would be more effective to prevent musculoskeletal disorders and to allow safer and improved use of an ERC.