Unite, the UK's leading union representing workers in the airline industry, has today (16 May) welcomed a decision to fine British Airways £3.2m over health and safety failings.

Two baggage handlers, both Unite members, were hurt in 'near-identical' incidents at Heathrow Airport while using machines used to load luggage into planes. The machines, called televators, had not been fitted with adequate protection such as guardrails to stop workers from falling.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Nobody should be seriously injured while at work and Unite welcomes the decision to convict British Airways for its failure to protect staff.

"British Airways must ensure that lessons have been learnt from these devastating incidents. Unite is committed to holding employers like BA to its legal obligations to always provide a safe working environment for airport workers through our army of health and safety reps."

Ravinder Teji suffered back injuries and cut his head when he fell 1.5m in August 2022, then Shahjahan Malik suffered a bleed on the brain after falling 3m in March 2023. This has left him with long-term problems including chronic pain and headaches.

The prosecution was brought by the Health and Safety Executive and the case was held at Southwark Crown Court this week, where it was ruled that in both cases British Airways was culpable.

British Airways had previously pleaded guilty to two breaches of safety regulations. Meanwhile, in 2018 British Airways engineer John Coles died when his van collided with a safety vehicle near Heathrow Terminal 5 due to 'visual interference'.

Unite regional officer Joe McGowan said: "Working in airside ramp operations can be dangerous, which is why employers need to do more to protect workers from entirely avoidable hazards like falls from height.

"Unite believes the decision to convict and fine British Airways for these very serious offences was entirely correct. Unite is committed to ensuring that all workplaces are safe for our members."

ENDS