MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AFFECTING WORK PERFORMANCE AMONG GROUND-HANDLING PERSONNEL: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Ground-handling personnel are critical for airline operations and
ensuring safety during flights. Yet, these workers are at risk of developing
MSDs due to highly physically demanding tasks. which can impact their
health and work performance. This review examines common risk factors
affecting MSDs and their impact on work performance, while also
exploring prevention and management strategies for this occupational
group. A total of 342 articles were identified through an explorative search
of the PubMed database, Direct Scopus, and Google scholar with the
limitation of the year from to 2015-2024. Only 16 articles were considered
and classified based on their operation category, such as ramp operation,
flight maintenance, cabin crew and baggage handler articles. The results
reveal that musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in ground handling
personnel can be influenced not only by physical factors but also by
organizational, psychological, and social aspects, which can negatively
impact work efficiency and performance. ground handling workers are
exposed to various musculoskeletal risks, including physical exertion,
unnatural postures, Standing for extended periods., repetitive tasks, tight
deadlines, and heavy lifting, as well as organizational and psychological
concerns. It is crucial to mitigate these risks to safeguard and enhance
musculoskeletal health of the workers.