Working in hospitality, there are many things you could do that may lead to injuries. You could accidentally slam your hand in a doorway. You could trip and hit your head on the side of the hotel pool. You could throw your back out while cleaning the bathroom after a guest leaves.
Dozens of different situations can lead to injuries. These three are more common than others, and they’re something to watch out for.
What are some of the most common hospitality injuries?
Some of the most common causes of hospitality injuries include:
- Lifting accidents
- Slip-and-fall accidents
- Hazardous chemical exposure
Back injuries, for example, could include slipped disks, strains or sprains. Workers should be taught to lift correctly and use tools to lift heavy items when needed. Team lifting may also help.
Slip-and-fall accidents can lead to significant injuries as well, like twisted ankles, head injuries and broken wrists. Using wet-floor signs and regularly identifying and repairing fall hazards can reduce the risk of these accidents happening.
Finally, there is a risk of coming into contact with hazardous chemicals. If you’re cleaning the hotel, you may be exposed to bleach, ammonia, beer line cleaner or other items. Some of these can cause blindness or affect your breathing, cause burns or even lead to cancer. Using good ventilation and the correct personal protective equipment is essential when working with any hazardous chemicals on the job.
These are three common causes of hospitality injuries and how to prevent them. If you’re hurt, remember that workers’ compensation may be there to cover your losses. It may cover your medical needs, lost wages and more if you need medical care or cannot return to work.