There is no shortage of hotel rooms in Orlando, nor is there a shortage of injuries among the people who clean them. Hotel cleaners encounter significant risks of injury. As a result, their profession is among the most hazardous in the service sector.
Understanding the factors contributing to these risks helps employers implement effective safety measures. It also helps prevent workplace accidents.
Workplace hazards
Hotel cleaners face many workplace hazards that increase their high risk of injury. These hazards include repetitive motions, such as bending, lifting and scrubbing. These actions can lead to musculoskeletal injuries over time. Exposure to hazardous chemicals used for cleaning purposes poses risks of chemical burns, respiratory problems and skin irritation. Slippery surfaces, cluttered work areas and improper lifting techniques further increase the likelihood of accidents and injuries.
Inadequate training and safety measures
Inadequate training and a lack of safety measures exacerbate risks faced by hotel cleaners. Many housekeepers need more training on proper lifting techniques, chemical handling and ergonomic practices. This leaves them vulnerable to injuries. Insufficient staffing levels and unrealistic workload expectations may also compel cleaners to rush through tasks. This, too, increases the likelihood of accidents and injuries.
Physical and emotional impacts
The high injury rates among hotel cleaners have implications for workers and employers. Injured housekeepers may experience physical pain, financial hardships and emotional distress. For employers, workplace injuries can result in increased insurance costs. They can also lead to productivity losses and legal liabilities.
UNITE HERE notes that the injury rate among hotel cleaners is 40% higher than that of all other workers in the service industry. Employers can reduce risks by providing comprehensive training, implementing proper safety protocols and ensuring adequate staffing levels.