If you are there handling heavy items all day, you're gonna get injured. That doesn't just fuck up the workers (meaning they can't go to work) but it costs the company money too (because they need to replace those handlers).

Think of it like this, you know how the X-Ray tech has to go into a little shielded room while you are getting X-Rayed, but you are still exposed to the full force of the X-Ray? That's not because they care about their safety more than yours, it's because one x-ray is fine (what your getting), but the x-ray tech does tens, maybe hundreds a day, and that builds up to radiation poisoning.

Now replace "X-Ray Radiation" with Repetitive Strain and back injuries" and "X-Ray" with the Suitcase full of Drugs your smuggling into the Netherlands, and you get the idea.

Yes. Can't have them hurting themselves and causing delays because the airport won't staff appropriately. Remember, safety is for controlling costs.