Workplace Safety and the Workplace Safety and the Hotel IndustryHotel Industry

Workplace Safety and the Workplace Safety and the Hotel IndustryHotel Industry

Housekeeping – The FactsHousekeeping – The FactsHousekeeping – The FactsHousekeeping – The Facts

47% higher risk of injury

71% higher risk of injury

1999 to 2001

2002 to 2005

Housekeeping – But Why?Housekeeping – But Why?Housekeeping – But Why?Housekeeping – But Why?

Why are these accidents occurring?

– Increased luxury for the guest without decreased responsibilities for the worker.

• Heavier mattresses

• Thicker linens

• More amenities

Housekeeping – What To Do?Housekeeping – What To Do?Housekeeping – What To Do?Housekeeping – What To Do?

So what can we do?

– Employer Responsibilities

– Employee Responsibilities

Housekeeping - ResponsibilitiesHousekeeping - ResponsibilitiesHousekeeping - ResponsibilitiesHousekeeping - Responsibilities

Employer Responsibilities

– Job duties for housekeeping should be re-evaluated.

– Investments should be considered to allow for workers to do their job safely.

Housekeeping - ResponsibilitiesHousekeeping - ResponsibilitiesHousekeeping - ResponsibilitiesHousekeeping - Responsibilities

Employee Responsibilities

– Inform management of injuries promptly

– Use the tools management provides to do the job safely

– Practice safe work practices as instructed by your employer

Let’s look at what injuries are occurring and some safe work practices for housekeeping employees…

Housekeeping – Types of InjuriesHousekeeping – Types of InjuriesHousekeeping – Types of InjuriesHousekeeping – Types of Injuries

What Injuries are occurring?– Strains

• Cleaning the bathrooms• Making the beds• Using carts

– Falls:• Tripping over sheets and towels• Slipping on water in the bathrooms

– Contact with Chemicals

– Pinch Points

Housekeeping: Cleaning the TubsHousekeeping: Cleaning the TubsHousekeeping: Cleaning the TubsHousekeeping: Cleaning the Tubs

Housekeeping: Cleaning the TubsHousekeeping: Cleaning the TubsHousekeeping: Cleaning the TubsHousekeeping: Cleaning the Tubs

Housekeeping: Cleaning Tile WallsHousekeeping: Cleaning Tile WallsHousekeeping: Cleaning Tile WallsHousekeeping: Cleaning Tile Walls

Housekeeping: Cleaning Tile WallsHousekeeping: Cleaning Tile WallsHousekeeping: Cleaning Tile WallsHousekeeping: Cleaning Tile Walls

Housekeeping: Making BedsHousekeeping: Making BedsHousekeeping: Making BedsHousekeeping: Making Beds

Housekeeping: Making BedsHousekeeping: Making BedsHousekeeping: Making BedsHousekeeping: Making Beds

Housekeeping: Using Laundry CartsHousekeeping: Using Laundry CartsHousekeeping: Using Laundry CartsHousekeeping: Using Laundry Carts

Housekeeping – Slips and TripsHousekeeping – Slips and TripsHousekeeping – Slips and TripsHousekeeping – Slips and Trips

Avoiding Slip, Trip and Fall Hazards– In bathrooms– Around beds

Housekeeping – Slips and TripsHousekeeping – Slips and TripsHousekeeping – Slips and TripsHousekeeping – Slips and Trips

For Example:

Housekeeping – Slips and TripsHousekeeping – Slips and TripsHousekeeping – Slips and TripsHousekeeping – Slips and Trips

For Example:

Housekeeping – Slips and TripsHousekeeping – Slips and TripsHousekeeping – Slips and TripsHousekeeping – Slips and Trips

For Example:

Housekeeping – Slips and TripsHousekeeping – Slips and TripsHousekeeping – Slips and TripsHousekeeping – Slips and Trips

For Example:

Housekeeping – Using ChemicalsHousekeeping – Using ChemicalsHousekeeping – Using ChemicalsHousekeeping – Using Chemicals

Housekeeping – Using ChemicalsHousekeeping – Using ChemicalsHousekeeping – Using ChemicalsHousekeeping – Using Chemicals

When working with chemicals:

• Always wear protective gloves

• Wear eye protection

• No unauthorized chemicals

• Ensure that containers are properly closed

• Inspect gloves daily

Housekeeping – Using ChemicalsHousekeeping – Using ChemicalsHousekeeping – Using ChemicalsHousekeeping – Using Chemicals

When working with chemicals:

– Tell your employer if you experience any irritation or allergy from gloves you have used.

– Never mix cleaning chemicals.

– When diluting always add the concentrated liquid to water, not the water to the concentrate.

Housekeeping: Avoiding Pinch PointsHousekeeping: Avoiding Pinch PointsHousekeeping: Avoiding Pinch PointsHousekeeping: Avoiding Pinch Points

Housekeeping – Remember!Housekeeping – Remember!Housekeeping – Remember!Housekeeping – Remember!

A few points for housekeepers to remember…– When first entering a room, take a

moment to survey the room.– Look for potential slip and trip hazards

and take the necessary action.– Use safe work practices as outlined by

management.– Communicate with management any

issues that arise.