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  • Question for those who are Ramp Agents...

    I've looked into this job at DIA (DEN), but I have had some sciatic back pain in the past (occasionally I still have some, but it's not chronic) and the amount of lifting concerns me. SkyWest hires all the time out here, but I know that even on CRJ's you can get some pretty big bags.

    I know that they give you a back brace, but I still wonder what my back would feel like after a day of doing that. And I have a neighbor who is a massage therapist who claims that if ramp workers didn't use those, the job would destroy their backs. That scares me!

    As far as my motor vehicle record goes, I know I'd pass that part.

    So, my question would be, how much lifting is there compared to driving? And do the back braces really make that much of a difference?

  • #2
    Originally posted by UALdave View Post
    I've looked into this job at DIA (DEN), but I have had some sciatic back pain in the past (occasionally I still have some, but it's not chronic) and the amount of lifting concerns me. SkyWest hires all the time out here, but I know that even on CRJ's you can get some pretty big bags.

    I know that they give you a back brace, but I still wonder what my back would feel like after a day of doing that. And I have a neighbor who is a massage therapist who claims that if ramp workers didn't use those, the job would destroy their backs. That scares me!

    As far as my motor vehicle record goes, I know I'd pass that part.

    So, my question would be, how much lifting is there compared to driving? And do the back braces really make that much of a difference?
    I used to be a ramp agent back in 2004. I haven't had this back brace, but after a 9 hour shift with a lot of suitaces in my hand I was happy being at home and I even went to a doctor and tried to get some massages on prescription as my back hurted pretty badly. The suitcases are huge (I worked on CRJs and Avroliners) and it is sometimes tough to put these suitcases into the airplanes. It is a lot of hard work and I am happy that I only did it for 5 months... I don't know about the back brace though and if that helps a lot...

    wilco737

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    • #3
      I havent worked on CRJs, but for me the constant bending over in the pits bothered my back more than the bags. Not even the 100lb fish boxes really bothered me. I am 6' 2" and I cant really sit up straight, so after a while bending over got to me.
      You've got to try to find what's right before your eyes-Finger Eleven


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      • #4
        I dont mean to be the bearer of bad news but if you have a history of back issues an airline job is not for you...all airport employees are required to lift luggage, bend and stoop - some more then others...

        the older senior agents are given slack and alot of assistance from the newer folks, but as a new guy you would not be given any slack and your back would probably be killing you by the end of the first day...

        I have never been issued a back belt, I have been told that I should go buy one, but never given one by the company...

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        • #5
          Originally posted by DeltaFlyer View Post
          I dont mean to be the bearer of bad news but if you have a history of back issues an airline job is not for you...all airport employees are required to lift luggage, bend and stoop - some more then others...

          the older senior agents are given slack and alot of assistance from the newer folks, but as a new guy you would not be given any slack and your back would probably be killing you by the end of the first day...

          I have never been issued a back belt, I have been told that I should go buy one, but never given one by the company...
          No problem, I appreciate your honesty! I will scratch that job off of one that I want.

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          • #6
            If you still want to work out at the airport check out de-icing companies. I work for Contego here in Anchorage, and they have a station in Denver.
            You've got to try to find what's right before your eyes-Finger Eleven


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            • #7
              Originally posted by UALdave View Post
              I've looked into this job at DIA (DEN), but I have had some sciatic back pain in the past (occasionally I still have some, but it's not chronic) and the amount of lifting concerns me. SkyWest hires all the time out here, but I know that even on CRJ's you can get some pretty big bags.

              I know that they give you a back brace, but I still wonder what my back would feel like after a day of doing that. And I have a neighbor who is a massage therapist who claims that if ramp workers didn't use those, the job would destroy their backs. That scares me!

              As far as my motor vehicle record goes, I know I'd pass that part.

              So, my question would be, how much lifting is there compared to driving? And do the back braces really make that much of a difference?
              Unfortunately, I have to agree with some of the other posters. If you have had back problems in the past, baggage handling may not be the job for you. A back-brace would probably help, but even if you follow the proper techniques, you will probably be exhausted and sore after a full day of work. In addition, the up and down weather conditions can further aggravate back pain/soreness.

              If you visited a specialist for your back pain in the past, maybe consult him/her to see if the risks of the job are worth it.

              Regards,

              Rohan

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