Hotel employees have higher rates of occupational injury and sustain more serious injuries than other workers in the service industry. According to an OSHA report, which observed 55,327 hotel workers, a total of 2,865 injuries were reported over a three-year period. Hotel fires are one of the main causes of hotel accidents. Every year, an estimated 3,900 hotel and motel fires are reported and cause about 150 injuries, 15 deaths, and $76 million in property loss. Hotels are our home away from home. We stay in hotels when we go on a vacation, visit family and friends, when we go on business trips and for a number of other reasons. Hotel owners and their staff always try to give all their guests the best experience possible. However, there are times when hotel accidents and other unpleasant incidents take place and cause serious injury and harm to guests.
How to Avoid Hotel Accidents and Injury to Workers
The basic safety rules to follow in hotels include:
- Employ restrictions and protective equipment during entry and exit in special work areas and show cautiousness accordingly.
- Make sure that there are well-installed and secure handrails on stairs.
- Limit the stacks of dishes that are carried on carts to a height that will not fall if you stop suddenly.
- While carrying a service tray, ensure that the heavy load is kept toward your body.
- Make sure that glasses are not used to scoop out ice cubes.
- Always make sure that serving and kitchen dishes are handled with great care.
- Ensure that all knives are stored properly when not in use.
- In case of a fire, call the front office, the engineering department and proceed to fight the fire with a fire extinguisher and fire blanket.
- If there is an accident, make sure that you walk calmly instead of running. When you rush, it could lead to an injury to yourself or to other employees and/or guests.
- Make sure that you report all accidents or injuries or any defective equipment to your supervisor. Never wait for someone else to report a complaint.
- Make sure that you check any equipment properly before you use it. Never use an equipment or machine that is tagged as “out of order” or requires repair.
- Always use the right and proper equipment for the task at hand and make sure that you know the right procedure.
- Use all safety guards on equipment before using them.
- Ensure proper housekeeping service in all areas of the hotel.
Our Methods have been Proven to Work
If you have been injured at work as a result of your employer’s negligence, you should seek the help of a personal injury attorney at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff, & Wolff of RMFW Law at 212-344-1000. The first meeting is free. We know how to win cases. Give us a call. We have won millions of dollars for past clients. We know a viable case when we see one. RMFW Law is a winner!
