U.S. Department of Labor t www.osha.gov t (800) 321-OSHA (6742)

Safe Baggage Handling at 

Cruise Ship Terminals

Porters and baggage handlers (longshoremen) working in cruise ship terminals experience a high rate of 

occupational injuries. These workers lift and carry heavy objects, such as baggage and supplies, and often 

work in environments that force them to bend, kneel, crouch, or crawl in awkward positions. This fact sheet 

highlights safety measures workers and employers should take to prevent strains, sprains, and back injuries.

To prevent injuries on the job, use safe lifting and loading 

techniques; ensure equipment is in good working order, including 

all safety features; and conduct pre-shift safety talks with workers 

prior to the start of baggage-related operations. During pre-shift 

safety talks, include training on safe lifting techniques, equipment 

usage, and the safety procedures in place. 

Since passengers and baggage handlers often share transportation 

routes, develop and enforce traffic patterns designed to separate 

passengers from baggage and supply-handling areas. Clearly mark 

these areas and keep them free of obstructions. Signage, stanchions, 

and barricades can be used to ensure the safety of all personnel. 

Safe Lifting and Loading Techniques

When loading or unloading baggage, many of the same safety 

precautions apply. Employers should train workers to use safe 

lifting techniques. For example, administrative controls, such as 

the use of color-coded tags for sorting bags, can also be used 

to indicate their weight to workers. Other recommended best 

practices for the safe lifting/movement of baggage include: 

• Warm up muscles prior to starting each shift by doing gentle 

range of motion movements similar to those used during the task.

• Never assume the weight of an object solely based on size. 

Check for tags that indicate any heavy or overweight baggage, 

or try out the load first by pushing it or lifting a corner. If it is too 

heavy, get help.

• Do not lift awkward-shaped baggage. Instead, use a partner or 

mechanical means to assist.

• Have a cart or cage positioned nearby to minimize the lifting 

range of motion.

• Keep bags close and in the center of your body.

• Lift slowly and steadily, using your legs, not your back.

• Turn with your feet instead of twisting your waist.

• Avoid stacking baggage above shoulder height.

• Find alternate routes when encountering slippery or 

uneven surfaces.

Safe Use of Equipment

During the loading and unloading of passenger baggage, baggage 

cages and mechanical equipment are used to transfer a large 

quantity at one time. While the use of such equipment helps 

minimize heavy lifting by workers and increases the efficiency of 

the process, there are still potential hazards. Only those workers 

determined competent by reason of training or experience to operate 

particular powered cargo handling equipment or vehicle may do so. Photo: Tim Podue, International Longshore & Warehouse Union

Signs, such as the one shown above, 

can help alert workers to specific dangers.

Longshoring

in Marine 

Terminals Fact Sheet
U.S. Department of Labor t www.osha.gov t (800) 321-OSHA (6742)

This is one in a series of informational fact sheets highlighting OSHA programs, policies or standards. It does not impose any 

new compliance requirements. For a comprehensive list of compliance requirements of OSHA standards or regulations, refer 

to Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations. This information will be made available to sensory-impaired individuals upon 

request. The voice phone is (202) 693-1999; teletypewriter (TTY) number: 1-877-889-5627.

7102/14 1293-SG FSD

Employers should train all baggage workers of all potential hazards. 

During the loading/off-loading of baggage, observe the following 

precautions and procedures:

• Use only equipment 

that is in good 

working condition.

• Operate mechanical 

equipment as it was 

intended (e.g., push, 

do not pull).

• Use restraining 

devices on baggage 

cages when 

available.

• Avoid stacking bags 

too high, in order 

to maintain stability 

and a clear line of 

sight over the cart.

• Keep feet clear of 

the pallet jack and 

the load. 

• Exercise additional 

caution when using 

pallet jacks to move 

baggage cages aboard the ship due to limited work space.

• Ask for help — never strain to move a heavy cart.

• Follow established traffic patterns and watch for others in the 

work area.

• Take extra precautions when working near wet surfaces or in dark 

areas. Provide workers with portable lighting when necessary.

• Maintain regular communication with designated personnel 

handling baggage aboard the vessel.

Additional Safety Considerations

In some cases, workers must wear personal flotation devices 

(PFDs) when baggage is being handled through side ports of a 

vessel and other locations when the hazard of falling into the water 

is present. For information on when PFDs and other personal 

protective equipment are required, see 29 CFR 1917.93 through 

1917.95, and 1918.103 through 1918.105.

Other Resources

• OSHA’s Baggage Handling eTool 

www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/baggagehandling

• National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 

Ergonomic Guidelines for Manual Material Handling 

www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2007-131/pdfs/2007-131.pdf

• OSHA Grant Materials Fact Sheet on Controlling Ergonomic Hazards 

www.osha.gov/dte/grant_materials/fy11/sh-22240-11/

ErgoHazards.pdf

Workers’ Rights

Workers have the right to:

• Working conditions that do not pose a risk of serious harm.

• Receive information and training (in a language and vocabulary the 

worker understands) about workplace hazards, methods to prevent 

them, and the OSHA standards that apply to their workplace.

• Review records of work-related injuries and illnesses.

• File a complaint asking OSHA to inspect their workplace if they 

believe there is a serious hazard or that their employer is not 

following OSHA’s rules. OSHA will keep all identities confidential.

• Exercise their rights under the law without retaliation, including 

reporting an injury or raising health and safety concerns with 

their employer or OSHA. If a worker has been retaliated against 

for using their rights, they must file a complaint with OSHA as 

soon as possible, but no later than 30 days.

For additional information, see OSHA’s Workers page.

How to Contact OSHA

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers 

are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their 

employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions for America’s 

working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and 

providing training, education and assistance. For more information, 

visit www.osha.gov or call OSHA at 1-800-321-OSHA (6742), TTY 

1-877-889-5627.

Photo: Tim Podue, International Longshore & Warehouse Union

Photo above shows use of compact 

electric pallet jack aboard a ship.

Photo: Tim Podue, International Longshore & Warehouse Union

Forkliftcages used to transfer 

baggage around cruise ship 

terminals.