Menzies handles £22,000 penalty

Prosecutions and Claims |
15.09.2007

Failure to protect baggage handlers has secured airport services company Menzies Aviation fines totalling £11,000 plus £10,986 costs from Trafford magistrates.

The firm pleaded guilty to not protecting employees who load and unload baggage from aircraft at Manchester Airport and failing to comply with an Improvement Notice.

HSE inspector Christina Roberts served the notice in May 2005 when she saw the baggage handlers using techniques likely to cause back injuries. The firm eventually agreed to introduce conveyor belts but did not use them consistently.

Roberts had also observed Menzies employees working unprotected at height in aircraft holds and moving heavy aircraft steps manually.