California’s hotel housekeepers play an important role in ensuring the comfort and cleanliness of hotel rooms for guests. This work is physically demanding and challenging, leading to a variety of injuries.
Many hotel housekeepers wind up seeking medical treatment or pursuing workers’ compensation insurance after experiencing the following.
Musculoskeletal injuries
Hotel housekeepers frequently lift heavy mattresses, furniture and cleaning supplies while cleaning an average of 14 or more hotel rooms each day. Over time, this may lead to strains and sprains in the back, shoulders and neck. The repetitive nature of hotel cleaning tasks, such as making beds, vacuuming and scrubbing surfaces, may also lead to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis and bursitis. Ensuring they take breaks and use proper lifting measures can help protect workers from harm.
Slips, trips and falls
Hospitality is a fast-paced industry, and working in a hotel often involves maneuvering through tight spaces filled with various obstacles. Slips, trips and falls can occur due to wet floors, cluttered pathways or uneven surfaces. These accidents may cause injuries ranging from bruises to broken bones.
Chemical exposure
Products used to clean hotel rooms often contain harsh chemicals. Prolonged exposure to these chemicals may cause skin irritations, respiratory problems and eye injuries. Proper training and the use of personal protective equipment help mitigate these risks.
Ergonomic injuries
The demanding nature of housekeeping work leads to frequent bending, stooping and reaching, which can strain muscles and joints. A lack of proper ergonomic equipment and training exacerbates these issues.
Employers must prioritize safety measures and require their workers to undergo regular training to reduce injury risks and help protect these hard-working professionals.