Ground handling companies are recruiting the wrong type of workforce. Sounds harsh but true. The job does require a tremendous amount of responsibility but the bottom line is that salaries being offered usually only attract the average man/woman who is on the dole and struggling to keep his/her family.
Where I work, accident levels are fairly low when compared to other UK airports but unfortunately still happen. Is this down to training? Possibly yes. But it is also down to how the companies are being run from the top level, and this is where the problem lies. A happy workforce often represents a safe workforce and unfortunately the guys in this "profession" aren't always too happy.
Also, ramp staff aren't always to blame. How about pilot taxiing 50 yards with towbar and by-pass pin still in place! Or pilot who gives "brakes off" signal for push-back but doesn't actually release the brakes!
Accidents will always happen unfortunately. Hopefully over time, CAA regulations may come into higher effect in relation to ground handling and silly mistakes by all parties involved can be reduced so all will benefit financially!
PS. Willing to help with any ground handling queries.