On 07.09.2013 I, like many of other people went to work. At this time I worked as an HGV Driver/loader for Alpha LSG based in Manchester (UK) airport. My role was to collect stock from central depot & load food, duty free goods etc. on to aircrafts - i.e. the stuff we enjoy when we are travelling on a plane. Anyway this was the usual busy day, but it was a day that I will never forget.

As I was loading a Delta American Airline I banged my head on the access door. I believe that this accident occurred because of glare which came off the security guard phone. Security guards do not work on all planes just those planes were the security has to be monitored! Anyway a beam of sunlight shone down, and it caught the security guards’ mobile phone which caused a glare and temporally hazed my vison. This led to sun blind and led to me hitting my head on the aircraft door. I hit my head so hard, I have an everlasting dent in my head. I just want to make it clear that this petition is not about pointing the finger, although it’s nice to raise awareness, this petition is about trying to introduce a change, so it was necessary to set the scene.

The collision with the door frame resulted in headaches and concussion which 48 hours post collision resulted in a minor stroke then a head/brain injury. The recovery from this accident has been difficult and time consuming but I am now well enough to continue with my fight to introduce improvements, so this type of incident does not happen to anyone else. My aim is that I never want anyone else to suffer with the pain, ignorance, discrimination that I have endured over the last few years. I am trying to get 'head protection' introduced into the airport environments. I have tried the direct route by contacting the relevant companies/MP's who could have supported this proposal but chose not to so now it is time for the power of the people.

Working airside can be dangerous environment. The next time you travel on a plane please take a minute to look out of the window and observer the activity that is taking place outside. You have baggage handlers loading/unloading suitcases. You have operatives fueling & checking the aircraft. You also have operatives working above these trades loading duty free, food, drinks etc. on to the aircraft. There is already a requirement to wear ear defenders when working airside as the noise generated from the planes warrants this but when you wear hear defenders you can't hear anything or anyone else so you would not hear a shout from a colleague who might need to warn you of a falling object or other hazards. 

'Please help me and sign this petition as it's the only option I have left. I would like to get head protection introduced into the airside environment as standard PPE. If this can help one person, then we have done our job and made people listen and take responsibility to keep people safe whilst at work'.

Thank you for reading this petition, I hope I can rely on your support.

Dec