The dynamic pace of the hospitality industry presents many challenges, with workers facing diverse risks of injury daily. Unfortunately, many hospitality workers experience workplace injuries that not only affect their well-being but also lead to missed workdays.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 1 in 1000 hospitality workers are injured on the job each year, and a quarter of these injuries require more than a month off work for recovery. Let’s explore the common risks faced by hospitality workers and discuss crucial safety measures to prevent and address workplace injuries.

Understanding the Risks

The hospitality industry encompasses a wide range of jobs, each with its own set of risks and dangers. Some roles require working in fast-paced, high-pressure environments where others require exposure to hazardous cleaning materials and working in crammed spaces.

Roles most susceptible to risks:

Kitchen staff
Waiters and bartenders
Housekeepers
Security personnel

Common Injuries in the Hospitality Industry

Did you know that hotel workers are nearly 40 percent more likely to be injured on the job than all other service sector workers? Hotel workers also sustain more severe injuries resulting in more days off work, more job transfers and more medically restricted work compared to other employees in the hospitality industry.

Common injuries experienced by hotel workers include:

Repetitive movements
Working in confined spaces and awkward positions,
Slips
Trips
Falls
Lifting
Working with sharp objects,
Overexertion.

Musculoskeletal injuries such as back pain, neck pain or limb pain are common among hospitality workers. Key factors contributing to a loss of productivity include employees working while sick, pain conditions, and absenteeism.

Promoting Safety and Preventing Injuries

To ensure the well-being of hospitality workers, it is crucial to implement effective safety measures. Employers can take proactive steps to protect their workforce and minimize the risk of workplace injuries.

Implement preventive measures such as training programs, safety protocols, and regular safety audits to create awareness and reduce the likelihood of accidents.
Offer health and wellness programs to address issues like repetitive strain injuries, promoting exercises and practices that can mitigate the impact of physically demanding tasks.
Provide specialized safety training for employees in roles prone to specific risks, such as kitchen workers and security personnel.

Occupational Health Services for Hospitality Workers

Partner with occupational health services like Bon Secours Mercy Health Occupational Services, which offer:

Onsite care
Near-site care
Workers’ compensation
Wellness prevention screenings
Diagnostics and testing.

These services play a crucial role in the prevention and management of workplace injuries.

Prioritizing the safety of hospitality workers is paramount in the fast-paced environment of the industry. By understanding the specific risks associated with different roles and implementing preventive measures, employers can create a safer workplace. In the event of an injury, having predetermined care plans and access to occupational health services becomes crucial for a swift recovery and the timely return of employees to work. Reach out to our dedicated team to learn more about preventing workplace injuries and how to effectively address them when they occur.

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