IOSH releases airside safety DVD

IOSH has launched a new safety training film, which is aimed at reducing injuries among baggage handlers and other airside workers.

The film, which is titled The Airport Airside Safety Induction DVD, was launched by IOSH’s Aviation and Aerospace Group at RAF Hendon Museum. It has been commissioned as part of IOSH’s research and development fund and will be offered to airport operators, airlines, baggage handing agents and other airline service providers nationwide. The film is particularly targeting new or temporary staff to help train them to become aware of potential airside hazards.

Figures released by the HSE revealed that more than 1,600 airside accidents took place in the UK in 2007/08. IOSH Aviation and Aerospace Group chairman, Paul McKenzie, believes the DVD will help to reduce the number of injuries reported in the sector. He said: “Airside areas at airports are potentially hazardous places for any worker who has not had the proper training and advice.

“Indeed, you can see from the HSE’s own figures that hundreds of staff, many of them temporary, are getting injured every year airside. We think this free DVD can only help airports and airlines improve health and safety systems for their workers and cut those statistics.”

IOSH teamed up with East Midlands Airport-based operator bmi to film the DVD, which includes advice on safety passes, aircraft and hazards to look out for when refuelling.

Bmi health, safety and environmental manager Keith Merrie, an IOSH member, said: “Bmi welcome this DVD with open arms. As one of the UK’s leading airlines, we endeavour to ensure all staff are fully aware of the hazards of working at airside.

“IOSH’s airside safety DVD will be used as part of our rigorous health and safety training strategy, with the aim of making staff more risk savvy and thus reducing the likelihood of accidents at airside.”

To request a FREE copy of the DVD e-mail [email protected]