Establish Clear Policies
It may seem obvious enough but far too many hospitality establishments don’t offer their employees a clear, comprehensive safety policy that outlines how common issues should be avoided or responded to. Provide Continuous Training We often think of safety training as something that only new hires need when in fact it should be updated and run regularly enough that staff get a chance to go through the training at least twice every year of their employment. Encourage Speaking Up We’ve mentioned how rewarding safety advocates can help others feel more confident to speak up but other ways to ensure this is by creating open forums for discussion or even bringing outside counselors in that staff feel more comfortable confiding in. Technology and Innovation in Hotel Workplace Safety Thoughtful technological interventions can be a great source of support for hotel workers. Here are two innovations we’ve seen gaining traction in hotel workplace safety: Panic Buttons Southern California hotel workers are some of the most recent to win legislation that requires hotel workers to have access to panic buttons but Chicago is already in its sixth year of similar protections. Panic buttons can be dotted around hotels or even worn by staff to ensure that any time an employee feels unsafe, they can get help with just the press of a button. Hi-tech panic buttons ensure that even if hotel Wi-Fi is down or cell reception is bad, an alert will still be sent out. AI-Enhanced CCTV Some CCTV systems can now be enhanced with AI technology that sends out automatic alerts when fires and falls occur. Systems can also be set up to note when quiet areas are occupied outside of usual hours which helps with security issues for workers. A Culture of Safety Benefits All A strong safety culture not only protects employees but also enhances guest satisfaction and boosts financial performance.
A safer workplace can save on compensation costs and job hires, and even build better guest experiences, but how can hotels address common security issues and develop an effective safety culture for their staff? Let’s take a closer look: Developing a Workplace Safety Culture in Hotels Start at The Top As in any organization, the most important changes begin at the top. Leadership needs to be fully invested in safety policies and their importance in order for a safety culture to develop. Regular Employee Training Safety training that addresses everything from fire and emergency protocol to handling unruly guests needs to be a regular part of the employee experience. Safety concerns evolve, as demonstrated during the pandemic, making regular updates essential. Conduct Safety Audits Bigger hotels benefit hugely from conducting third- party safety audits. Not only do they expose risk factors that could be costly down the line, but they can affirm what’s already working. Reward Your Safety Advocates When people step forward with safety concerns or flag unsafe conditions, reward them with recognition. It shows other employees that it’s safe, and even encouraged, to speak up and is how hotels can get ahead of some of the biggest workplace safety issues. Minimizing Occupational Hazards in the Hospitality Industry Slips, falls, burnout, illness, and harassment are all common occupational hazards that the hospitality industry can minimize with some of these best practices:
HOSPITALITY NEWS OCT | Page 75
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