Hotel workers in Massachusetts are just as likely to experience on-the-job injuries as any other worker. Housekeepers and room attendants, in particular, are prone to certain types of injuries that can result in them filing workers’ compensation claims. It’s possible to implement policies to help prevent hotel worker injuries.
What are the most common hotel worker injuries?
Hotel workers such as housekeepers and room attendants are prone to certain injuries while working. These often lead to workers’ compensation claims and include the following:
• Sprains and strains: These workers are always lifting, moving, stretching, pushing, and bending while cleaning. Over time, it’s only natural that they can sustain an injury from such repetitive movements. In addition to strains and sprains occurring, repetitive motion injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome can also happen.
• Slips and falls: As hotel workers are responsible for cleaning bathrooms and floors, surfaces can become slick and slippery. As a result, it’s easy for them to experience injuries from slip and fall accidents.
• Chemical exposure: Hotel housekeepers constantly use cleaning supplies that may contain harsh chemicals. As a result, they are always exposed to potentially hazardous materials that can lead to respiratory problems.
How can hotel worker injuries be reduced?
Certain measures can be taken by hotels to better protect their employees. If on-the-job injuries can be reduced, it can benefit workers and the hotel as it can lower the number of workers’ compensation claims filed. Mitigation measures may include the following:
• Create teams to help: Instead of having a single person do all the heavy work alone, having a team of staff can help. For instance, someone can do the heavy lifting one day while another person does the cleaning. They can switch tasks every other day so that there’s no repetitive straining or lifting every day.
• Provide better tools: When hotel workers have access to more ergonomic tools, it can prevent the need to bend, strain or experience repetitive injuries.
• Provide good safety equipment: Hotel workers who use potentially hazardous substances for cleaning should be provided safety equipment such as goggles, gloves, and respirators. Non-slip footwear can also help to prevent slip and fall accidents.
• Preventive measures: Staff should be allowed to take breaks throughout their shift. They should be trained to perform stretching exercises before their shifts as well.
