A baggage handler at New Orleans airport has died after getting her hair caught in the belt loader.

Jermani Thompson, 26, was identified by Jefferson Parish Coroner's Office after the accident on Tuesday, according to Fox 8.

Thompson was working in the apron, the area of Louis Armstrong airport where aircraft are loaded and unloaded, at around 10 p.m. She was rushed to hospital, but died soon after.

Her hair reportedly became entangled while she was unloading a Frontier plane that had just landed.

Frontier said in a statement: "We extend our deepest condolences following the tragic death of a team member of our ground handling business partner at Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans.

"Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones during this difficult time."

The company that provides baggage handling services at the airport is GAT Airline Ground Support. Its CEO Michael Hough has also issued a statement.

"We are heartbroken and are supporting her family and her friends as best as we are able," the statement read. "Please send our well wishes to everyone at our New Orleans station during this very difficult time."

Newsweek has contacted Louis Armstrong New Orleans Airport and Jefferson Parish Coroner's Office for comment.

Airport workers face numerous hazards in the workplace, according to a study published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2018.

Its report, which was based on data from 2016, said: "Air transportation workers had 6.7 cases of nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses per 100 full-time equivalent workers.

"That was more than twice the rate of 2.9 cases for all private industry workers."

The bureau also reported that cargo and freight agents were more likely than other air transport workers to suffer occupational injuries and illnesses that led to days away. The rate in 2016 was 746.9 per 10,000 full-time workers for cargo and freight agents. For flight attendants, it was 515.3 and for pilots and flight engineers just 39.3.

According to the website of Steve Lee, an accident and injury lawyer in Houston, airport ramp agents and ground crews are at particular risk of injury.

It explained: "These workers are responsible for the loading, unloading and sorting of baggage and freight, and they may suffer from repetitive strain injuries and hearing loss.

"Employees must frequently reach for and lift numerous pieces of heavy baggage. This strains the back, neck, arms, and shoulders, leading to spinal issues, tendonitis, shoulder injuries, and torn rotator cuffs. The constant handling and gripping of luggage can also cause carpal tunnel syndrome."

It added: "Exposure to noise from airplanes, refueling vehicles and baggage handling equipment can cause hearing loss, leading to stress, depression, fatigue and insomnia."

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