Schiphol installs lifting aids for baggage handlers after Labor Inspectorate orders

Employees working in the baggage halls in Schiphol can now use lifting aids in every area. The airport has installed the lifting aids in all 385 work stations. The lifting aids ensure that Schiphol and the baggage handlers are jointly complying with the requirements set by the Labor Inspectorate.

The Labor Inspectorate previously imposed heavy fines on baggage handling companies at Schiphol due to poor working conditions at the airport. The physical strain on workers from lifting and loading or unloading items such as suitcases was too great.

The inspectorate also demanded that the whole process of baggage loading or unloading has to be automated or equipment-assisted.

“This makes baggage handlers' jobs lighter. It is an important improvement. We tested, purchased, and installed the lifting aids at high speed while the regular baggage process continued. Together with the six baggage handling companies, Aviapartner, dnata, KLM, Menzies, Swissport, and Viggo, we did everything we could,” Schiphol stated.

The airport also stated that they have begun tests which would ensure that the whole process is mechanized. For over six months now, a new type of robot has been independently loading departing baggage at Schiphol into baggage carts and containers bound for the aircraft.

According to Schiphol, however, the technology to fully load and unload suitcases using machines is still in its infancy worldwide. In developing this technology, the airport is working together with the airports of Brussels, Incheon, London Heathrow, and Oslo.

In a response, the Labor Inspectorate stated that it will continue to monitor all companies to ensure that the required measures are implemented and followed. “We check whether functional lifting aids are available, and if so, whether they are being used and actually deployed for baggage handling. If there are no lifting aids, we assess whether sufficient organizational measures are being taken to reduce physical strain. Where necessary, we take enforcement action,” the Inspectorate said.