Starting today, AirportsUK is kicking off UK Airports Health and Safety Week, with three key themes: ground movements, slips trips and falls in passenger areas, and reducing stress. The week will involve training sessions, airfield tours, safety demonstrations, and talks on key topics. Following on from the week, an awards ceremony will take place on 2 October to celebrate airports’ best events and activities for health and safety.
“Health and safety week is always a highlight of the year, with airports showing what they do every day to make sure air travel is safe for everyone involved,” said AirportsUK’s chief executive, Karen Dee. “This year’s focus covers all parts of airports’ operations, from the behind the scenes work to support aircraft, safety in passenger areas, and reducing stress in what can often be a pressured environment. From the whole team at AirportsUK, good luck to everyone involved and we look forward to seeing some of the events taking place as the week goes on.”
‘Ground movements’ focuses on reducing the risks associated with ground handling, aircraft movements, and vehicle operations, while ‘slips, trips, and falls in passenger areas’ will surround raising awareness of hazards in terminals, walkways, escalators, aprons, and boarding bridges. Finally, ‘reducing stress’ looks into improving wellbeing and mental health for passengers and staff.
“Safety is aviation’s top priority, and we work extremely hard with all parts of the sector to ensure best practice is shared, processes are up to date, and staff are trained appropriately,” said Jon Round, the head of airspace, air traffic management and aerodromes at the UK Civil Aviation Authority. “We at the regulator are delighted to partner with AirportsUK on this industry-leading event to showcase all the hard work airports do year-round. It will be great to see just what innovative and inspiring activities are held to demonstrate that UK aviation is the world’s leader in safety.”
Photo: AirportsUK
