The Importance of Workplace Safety in the Hospitality Industry

At Morris & Garritano, we understand the importance of workplace safety in the hospitality industry. Learn why prioritizing safety measures is essential for protecting employees and guests, avoiding legal and financial losses, and ensuring compliance with regulations.

Hospitality is a unique industry with a diverse range of sub-sectors providing an array of services to clients. Whether a hotel, resort, restaurant, venue, or casino, the industry faces several risks and hazards requiring a unique set of safety measures. A knowledge of these requirements and a vigilance in the workplace is crucial for the well-being of employees, guests, and the overall success of the business.

Reducing Injuries, Downtime, and Claims

Clean Floors and Spaces

One of the significant hazards that employees face in the hospitality industry is slips, trips, and falls. These accidents can occur due to several reasons including wet floors, poor lighting, and uneven surfaces.

In the restaurant industry, spills, and dropped items can pose a significant risk to employees and customers. To prevent these accidents, hospitality businesses should have proper signage, non-slip mats, and clean-up procedures in place.

Protective Gear and Fire Safety

In addition to slips, trips, and falls, the hospitality industry has other safety hazards, including cuts, burns, and other injuries. The risk of these accidents is high in the kitchen and food preparation areas. Sharp knives, hot surfaces, and boiling liquids are common in these areas, and employees must have adequate protective gear, such as gloves and aprons.

The hospitality industry is also susceptible to fire hazards, which can cause significant damage and injuries. Fires can start from electrical faults, cooking equipment, and smoking materials. To prevent these hazards, businesses must have proper fire safety measures, including smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and evacuation plans.

Chemical hazards, including cleaning agents and chemicals used in food preparation, can also pose significant risks to employees and guests. It is crucial to ensure that these chemicals are correctly labeled and stored, and employees have access to personal protective equipment when handling them.  This also includes a written Hazardous Communication Program with an inventory of all hazardous chemicals used in the workplace and corresponding Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

Ergonomics

Ergonomics is another critical consideration and large part of the conversation in the hospitality industry, particularly for housekeepers, who are at high risk of developing musculoskeletal injuries. These injuries can result from the repetitive movements and awkward postures involved in cleaning rooms and lifting heavy objects such as mattresses and laundry bags. Implementing ergonomic practices and proper equipment when applicable can help prevent these injuries, improve employee well-being, and increase productivity.

Loss Prevention in the Hospitality Industry

Apart from protecting employees and guests, workplace safety in the hospitality industry is critical for protecting the business from legal and financial losses. Workplace accidents can lead to workers’ compensation claims, which can be costly to the business. Additionally, accidents can lead to decreased productivity, increased insurance premiums, and loss of reputation, which can affect the business’s profitability.

Ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations is also a critical aspect of workplace safety in the hospitality industry. The industry is subject to several regulations that cover safety, health, and hygiene. Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to penalties, fines, and even closure of the business. Businesses must have adequate safety measures in place to comply with these regulations.

Protecting What Matters

At Morris & Garritano, we understand the importance of workplace safety in the hospitality industry. For generations, we’ve protected our clients and earned their trust through personal understanding of each unique workplace. We provide risk management solutions that help businesses in the hospitality industry identify, assess, and control risks to ensure a safe working environment for employees and guests. We have in house expertise and resources to help businesses create compliant safety programs tailored to their specific needs.

We are committed to helping our clients protect their workplaces and achieve a safe and productive environment. Contact us at our office today or reach out to your Risk Advisor to learn more about our risk management solutions.