may2023 - 11

Among the initiatives of this project
was an 18-month program called
" Remember Me, Your Back. " Designed
to promote improved back health, the
program yielded successful results,
so organizers extended and expanded
the project to include additional airport
employees.
To track results, the new project
required all staff to undergo a physical
prior to beginning.
Ground handling agents were also
given individual instruction to help them
address their own unique objectives
and were given advice for approaching
their training.
The training package included cardiovascular
and strength exercises as well
as work simulation duties to improve
practical techniques for daily tasks such
as lifting and transferring baggage unto
a belt loader.
The job simulator replicated the daily
challenges ramp workers face, including
working positions, lifting requirements
and more. As employees used the
simulator, they received feedback and
other advice on how to perform their
duties safely.
What set this project apart from
other fitness initiatives was the fact
that training and gym time occurred
during normal work hours. Training
was built into the daily schedule, taking
into account peaks and valleys in HAM's
flight traffic.
Additionally, the program allowed
employees to learn from health
experts and get feedback while working
on the job.
Results
The University of Applied Sciences,
located in Hamburg, was tasked with
evaluating the program's effectiveness.
Ultimately, the report found
that improvements in work behavior
and movements had been sustainable
months after the project began.
Ground personnel were still attending
fitness and strength training sessions
and improved techniques were still
being utilized.
Businesses were seeing the desired
effects as well, as costs sustained by
time-off requests dropped significantly
and provided a robust return on
investment.
After BG Verkehr ended is direct
involvement with the project in 2020, the
airport continued with it. And since the
initial pilot, the program has expanded
to other industries such as nurses
and caregivers.
One group of
employees in
this project was
comprised of
mostly baggage
handlers, who
regularly lift heavy
items, and aircraft
cleaners, who often
find themselves
working in difficult
ergonomic
positions.
A job simulator replicated the
daily challenges ramp workers
face, including working positions,
lifting requirements and more. As
employees used the simulator,
they received feedback and other
advice on how to perform their
duties safely.
Summary
In addition to the positive results mentioned
previously, the program also highlighted
the mutual benefits of improved
health for both individual employees
and businesses.
For example, one employee shared
his experience with the program and
noted improvements in his diet, weight
and personality. He also pointed out an
improved relationship with his employer,
which has led to increased motivation
at work.
In an industry where employee retention
is becoming increasingly important,
developing a positive employee-employer
relationship is crucial.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HELGE HOMANN
Helge Homman is head
of the aviation section
within the department of
prevention at BG Verkehr.
Located in Hamburg,
Germany, BG Verkehr
provides statutory accident
insurance for the transport,
postal logistics and telecommunications
industries in Germany. The company advises
more than 210,000 member companies
on prevention and provides treatment,
rehabilitation and compensation for its
insured after work accidents and occupational
diseases.
May 2023 || AviationPros.com || 11
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE AUTHOR
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE AUTHOR
http://www.AviationPros.com
may2023

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