Airport ground operations through the lens of human-technology systems : a descriptive case study of ground operations at a Swedish airport

Summary Aim: The aim with the study was to explore the work conditions of the Ground staff performing unloading and loading from an HTO perspective, and to identify areas for improvement. Research questions: 1. Which factors are important for the work performance? 2. To what degree do the employees follow the work instructions regarding the use of the equipment on the ramp? 3. Which recommendations can be provided to improve work performance at ramp operations and minimize risks for accidents? Background: Ramp operations have, according to Studic et al., (2017), repeatedly been estimated as one of the areas with the highest, still increasing, safety risks. Passenier, Sharpanskykh and de Boer (2015) also confirms how the work within the ramp operations, and performance of unloading and loading, is an area with high risks of injuries and deaths. Methods: The study was conducted with a qualitative research approach and Descriptive Case study design (Baxter & Jacks, 2008). Results: Five categories were found; time pressure, “safety mindset”, education, culture and equipment. The findings also showed that the employees prioritize the safety of the aircraft rather than their own safety. Conclusions: Out of the five factors, time pressure and equipment are the factors in the environment which the respondents have to work in line with to make it function in the environment