10 common accidents in tourism industry

July 21, 2024

Five Common Hospitality Industry Injuries and How to Prevent Them

5 Min Read 6.24.2019 By Amy Hodgetts

It’s common knowledge that working in the hospitality industry is fast and frenetic so it’s not a surprise there are a lot of workplace injuries. In 2016/17 approximately 434,000 injuries caused up to seven days of absence in each case. A further 175,000 caused a period of absence over seven days.

According to the Health and Safety Executive , the accommodation and food services sector has a lower statistically significant amount of work-related illness, but a higher statistically significant work accident claims rate.

What’s the cause of these higher than average injuries? According to Boutique Hotelier , the most common injuries in the hospitality sector are slips, trips and falls.

Slips, Trips and Falls

Accidents of this nature are the most common among non-fatal injuries to employees, accounting for 29 percent of the most common non-fatal accident kinds . It’s hardly surprising, given the nature of such accidents — nearly every workplace has the capacity to develop a slip or trip hazard! A spilled drink in the office, a curled rug corner in a shop, or something bigger like an oil or chemical spill in a factory. These things happen, but the problem arises when the spills and trip hazards aren’t addressed immediately, turning the risk into a cause.

This is when an accident becomes a work accident, as a failure to follow or implement a process (i.e. the workplace is at fault for not having a necessary routine to address the spill or trip hazard before an accident materialised).

Prevention:

Signs for slippery areas
Danger tape to highlight any potential trip hazards, such as steps or uneven flooring
Non-slip footwear
Signs to signal any recent spills
Adequate lighting
A process in place that has spills tended to immediately

If you fall:

The NHS recommends in the event of a slip, trip, or fall, to take your time when getting up. Only do so if you feel strong enough to.

Lifting/Handling

The second-most common workplace injury is lifting/handling accidents, clocking in at 22 percent of all non-fatal injuries.

Injuries from lifting and handling heavy items tend to revolve around muscle strains. Back pain, neck pain, arm pain, and leg pain can all result of a lifting or handling injury. These injuries usually occur over a stretch of time where you are frequently handling heavy goods , but it is possible to injure yourself from a one-off heavy item lifting situation. Your workplace ought to provide training for handling heavy goods, as well as relevant lifting apparatus where needed.

Prevention :

Training on how to lift heavy goods
Using apparatus to help lifting, where available
If you think lifting equipment should be in place for a task, speak to your employer. Employees are often the best eyes and ears for potential risks!
Ask for help with lifting heavy items

If you suffer a strain:

The NHS recommends rest, as well as the application of an ice pack on the injury for up to 20 minutes every two or three hours. A compression bandage can help to support the injury too, and elevating the affected area is advised. Avoid heat, as this can aggravate swelling.

Struck by an Object

Being struck by an object is the third most common workplace injury, and accounts for 10 percent of workplace injuries. Such injuries can cause a varying degree of problems, from minor cuts and bruises to more serious results like concussion or even blindness .

Items falling from a high shelf, moving loads with machinery, and dropping tools are all common causes of these accidents.

Make sure that any objects that aren’t on ground level are secure
Following from this, be sure that these items won’t be easily knocked
Heavier items should be stored near the ground, and lighter items higher up.
Self-standing items should be secured or stabled
When using machinery to move loads, such as when operating a pallet truck or trolley, stick to designated routes
Avoid working or moving under a moving load
Inspect lifting apparatus to ensure everything is working

If you are struck by an object:

If the object caused a cut or graze, first stop the bleeding. Applying pressure with a clean, absorbent material will help with this. For more severe bleeding, raise the afflicted area: your arm or hand can be raised over your head, where lower limbs you should lie down and raise the limb above your heart. Clean the wound, cover it and seek medical help if the wound becomes infected.

If you believe the strike has caused a concussion, head to accident and emergency. Signs of concussion include a persistent headache, dizziness, confusion and/or memory loss, vomiting or sickness, imbalance, mood swings, vision changes, and struggling to stay awake.

Fall from Height

At seven percent of all non-fatal workplace accidents, falling from a height covers falling from ladders and scaffolding, or any other structure or platform that isn’t at floor-level. Although falling from a height is the fourth most common non-fatal work accident, they are the third highest contributor to fatal injuries at 20 percent.

Injuries from these sorts of accidents include broken limbs, fractures, bruises, concussion, and more.

Health and Safety Executive conducted a study within the food and drinks sector of 150 falls from height. The most common places to fall from where ladders (40 percent), vehicles (17 percent), machinery (10 percent), platforms (10 percent), stairs (eight percent), roof (seven percent), scaffold (four percent), warehouse racking (four percent).

Prevention :

Where possible, control points and work should be designed to take place on ground level
Permanent safety features should be installed if working at a height is frequent
Steps, railing, etc.
Minimise the risk of falling from a ladder climbing slowly, and avoid sudden movements
Ensure the type of ladder or scaffolding is correct for the job at hand
Do not overreach when on a ladder or scaffolding

If you fall from a height:

Due to the nature of these accidents, the injuries that result can be widely varied. Depending on the severity of the injury, medical attention will likely be required for a fall from a height.

Acts of Violence

The fifth most common non-fatal workplace accident comes as a result of violence, with seven percent of accidents at work attributed to this.

Unlike with the other accident causes in this article, it’s difficult to narrow down the resulting injury from this cause of workplace accident. Generally, employees who deal with face-to-face roles are at risk of violence, from customers or even other employees.

The injury caused by acts of violence can vary wildly, but that doesn’t mean they cannot be prevented.

Regular staff meetings can be effective in highlighting problems faced day-to-day at work
Informing your employer is a strong first step to having the matter addressed
Detailed records of previous incidents will help to identify patterns, causes, and areas of concern
Physical security measures, such as CCTV and security locks
Wider counters can help protect staff in customer-facing roles

Sources:

http://www.boutiquehotelier.com/biggest-five-health-hazards-hospitality/

http://www.bytestart.co.uk/10-most-common-workplace-accidents-injuries.html

http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/causinj/index.htm

https://www.constructconnect.com/blog/construction-safety/top-causes-construction-accident-injuries-prevent/

https://www.thecaterer.com/articles/201188/preventing-accidents

http://www.i-hospitality.co.uk/Health-and-Safety/Workplace-Accidents-Injuries/index.asp

http://www.workplacesafetyadvice.co.uk/common-injuriescauses-accidents-work.html

http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/industry/

https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/minimizing-the-risk-of-ladder-falls-2

https://www.nhs.uk/

http://www.hse.gov.uk/food/struckby.htm

http://www.hse.gov.uk/food/falls.htm

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg69.pdf

Amy Hodgetts

Amy Hodgetts is a professional copywriter for Mediaworks, a digital marketing agency. A content writer and web content optimiser, she has built a foundation in writing through many years of hobby and volunteer writing online and working on a novel.

Five Common Hospitality Industry Injuries and How to Prevent Them

The fast-paced, chaotic nature of working in the hospitality industry means workers face many different risks of injury on the job. Unfortunately, hundreds of thousands of hospitality workers suffer workplace injuries that cause them to miss some time from work. Below are some of the most common types of hospitality industry injuries.

Slip/Trip and Falls

Slip and fall or trip and fall rank among the most common types of workplace accidents in the hospitality industry. In the hospitality industry, workers can slip on spilled food or liquids, or can trip over boxes, wires, or other objects on the ground that a busy worker might fail to see. Some of the steps that can be implemented to avoid slip/trip and fall accidents include:

Posting warning signs in area that frequently have slippery floors
Using warning tape or markers to make tripping hazards more visible
Requiring workers to wear sturdy, non-slip footwear
Placing down signs of identified spills until they can be cleaned up
Having adequate lighting
Implementing processes to spotcheck for slip or trip hazards in the workplace.

Another common accident suffered in the hospitality industry includes lifting accidents caused by improperly lifting or moving heavy objects, or by having to move heavy items for extended periods of time during the workday. Lifting accidents can normally be prevented by:

Providing workers with training on proper lifting techniques
Providing workers with equipment to help with lifting, such as back braces or lifting straps
Empowering workers to always ask for help with lifting or moving heavy objects

Falling Objects

Being struck by a falling object represents another common workplace injury in the hospitality industry, often caused by items falling from a high shelf either on their own or when a worker goes to retrieve those items. Accidents caused by falling objects can be prevented by:

Securing objects that are placed on high shelving
Storing heavier items towards the ground
Training employees to evenly stack items on shelves
Using tools or equipment to help remove objects from higher shelves, such a standing on a stool, stepladder, or lift

Falls from Heights

Hospitality workers can also suffer injuries in falls from heights, including falling off of stools or ladders or falling down stairs. The risks of falls from heights can be reduced by:

Ensuring that steps and railings are in good condition
Regularly inspecting stools and ladders used by workers
Training employees to move slowly and deliberately on ladders or up on heights, and never to overreach when on a stool or ladder

Violence/Criminal Activity

Unfortunately, hospitality workers face risks of injury from violence or criminal activity, whether caused by guests or by co-workers. Hospitality services where alcohol is served are especially prone to incidents of violence or crime. Workers can be kept safe from assault or crime by:

Employing security measures such as surveillance cameras, locks, security personnel, and even designing furniture to help maintain physical distance between staff and guests
Keeping records of incidents to identify potential areas of concern
Utilizing staff meetings and having open channels of communication to defuse potential conflict between workers

Contact a Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Bar/Restaurant Accident Case in Florida

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a bar/restaurant accident in Florida? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Lawlor, White & Murphey represent clients injured because of bar/restaurant accidents in Coconut Creek, Plantation, Pompano Beach, and Pembroke Pines, and throughout Florida. Call (954) 525-2345 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 2211 Davie Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 , as well as offices in Pembroke Pines, Weston, Coconut Creek, Plantation, and Pompano Beach.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly

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Common Worker Injuries In The Hospitality & Tourism Industry

May 25, 2021

hospitality staff at risk of work injuries

Florida has a booming hospitality and tourism industry thanks to its beautiful sceneries and great weather all year round. With the increased activity and the fast-paced nature of the work in the Florida hospitality industry, accidents are not unlikely. According to BLS, this sector accounts for roughly 5% of all Florida fatal occupational injuries yearly. If you have suffered work injuries resulting from your employer’s negligence in the hospitality industry, a skilled workers comp lawyer in Florida can help you get fair compensation.

Common work injuries in the hospitality and tourism industry

Although all workers in the hospitality industry can potentially suffer work-related accidents, housekeepers, kitchen staff, waiters, and room attendants are more likely to suffer work-related injuries compared to others due to the nature of their work. Below are some of the most common injuries in the hospitality and tourism industry.

Musculoskeletal injuries: The work of many hotel workers involves lifting and bending, which can lead to musculoskeletal injuries such as back pain, neck pain, or limb pain.
Skin reactions: Housekeepers and cleaners in the hospitality industry come into contact with chemicals regularly when handling cleaning agents. Sometimes, these chemicals could trigger allergic reactions that could develop into severe complications, affecting the workers’ ability to perform job duties.
Cuts, lacerations, and punctures: These injuries are common with kitchen staff who come into contact with sharp objects such as knives and other electronic kitchen appliances. Additionally, tripping and falling on sharp objects could also result in cuts, lacerations, and punctures.
Burns and scalds: These work injuries are also prevalent among the kitchen staff who have to work with fire at all times. Besides kitchen staff, waiters are also at the risk of scalds as they serve hot drinks and food to customers.

Tips for preventing hospitality work injuries

hospitality staff exposed to work injuries

Below are some tips that can help establishments and workers prevent workplace injuries in the hospitality industry.

Teamwork : Rather than leave the task of heavy lifting to an individual, hospitality workers should be encouraged to work as a team when lifting heavy items like mattresses and crates to avoid injuries resulting from overexertion. Additionally, establishments could also invest in lifting tools and machinery that can help to reduce the stress of doing heavy lifting.
Invest in better tools for the job: Employers could provide employees with ergonomically designed equipment such as carts and vacuum cleaners with long handles. This will ensure that workers avoid stretching and bending in awkward positions that could lead to musculoskeletal injuries. Employers could also invest in battery-powered cleaning equipment such as spray bottles to reduce the chances of repetitive motion injuries common with using manual spray bottles.
Using proper safety equipment: Employers should ensure that employees are equipped with the proper safety equipment to avoid accidents. These safety types of equipment include proper eyewear, gloves, and respirators (to protect workers from harmful chemicals in the cleaning agents), and non-slip footwear.
Take preventative measures: Hospitality employees should have proper training on body mechanics, like encouraging staff to engage in stretch exercises before starting a shift. Doing this can help in warming up and reduce the chances of musculoskeletal work injuries. It’s also essential to ensure that workers take adequate breaks throughout the day to reduce fatigue.

What to do if you suffer a work injury as a hospitality worker?

If you have suffered a work-related injury in the hospitality industry, you may be entitled to compensation. The following are some of the things you can do after a workplace accident to protect your right to fair compensation.

Seek immediate medical attention: Seeking medical attention should always come first. When seeking medical help, it’s always best to confirm with your employer if they have a designated doctor with their worker’s comp insurance provider. Besides upholding your health, seeking medical attention provides you with medical documentation, which is critical at establishing the extent of your injuries when making a claim.
Report the accident to the manager: In Florida, an injured employee is required to report an accident to the manager within 30 days from the date of the accident or within thirty days after your doctor discovers you have a work-related injury.
Contact a Florida work injury lawyer: The process of workers compensation can get complicated, especially where severe injuries are involved. Therefore, it’s in your best interest to work with a skilled workers comp lawyer in Florida to increase your chances of getting fair compensation.

Suffered on-the-job injuries from hospitality work? Contact Sternberg | Forsythe, P.A. today

If you have suffered an on-the job injury while working in the hospitality industry in Florida, reach out to the experienced work injury lawyers at Sternberg | Forsythe, P.A., to file a claim and begin the compensation process. Our attorneys have decades of combined experience in fighting for the rights of injured Florida workers. With our team by your side, you can be sure of the best possible outcome for your work injury claim. Contact us online or give us a call today to schedule your free consultation.

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Home / Education Center / Articles / 7 Risks Involved in the Hospitality Industry

7 Risks Involved in the Hospitality Industry

May 31, 2022 / Author: Rick J. Lindsey

After a few years of setbacks due to the pandemic, the hospitality industry is thriving. Worldwide, the industry is expected to be worth a staggering $4.5 trillion by the end of 2022.

This is good news for all of your clients who work in the hospitality industry. With restrictions lifted, everyone is free to visit their favorite hotels, restaurants, and attractions once again.

More customers mean more revenue, but it also means more risks. As insurance producers , you know that your clients need the best possible insurance solutions to meet their needs.

When it comes to risk management, what should your hospitality clients be aware of? Let’s discuss seven of the most common safety risks and security hazards.

1. Common Safety Hazards

We’ll start with the obvious operational hazards, such as slips, trips, and falls. These risks aren’t unique to the world of hospitality, but the industry is especially prone to these types of incidents.

Food spills, wet floors, electrical wires, and steps all present opportunities for injuries . There’s also the risk of injuries associated with lifting and handling heavy items. Combine that with the hectic pace of kitchens, dining rooms, and dance floors, and it’s only a matter of time before a customer injures themselves.

Even when your clients do their best to keep everyone safe, accidents can happen at any time. That’s why it’s essential for every hospitality establishment to carry commercial liability insurance .

This can include many different types of coverage (which we’ll discuss more below), but it always features general liability coverage. Like other businesses, this is mandatory insurance for the hospitality industry.

2. Hazardous Chemicals

Cleanliness and sanitation have always been hot topics in the hospitality world, but especially so since COVID-19. Your clients’ efforts to keep everyone safe and remain compliant also expose workers (and customers) to an array of potential hazards.

Soaps, sanitizers, degreasers, oven cleaners, and floor cleaners are everyday products in the hospitality industry. If used incorrectly, any one of these chemicals can lead to:

Skin irritation
Allergic reactions
Respiratory harm

Proper storage, signage, and usage are vital to protect workers and customers from possible harm. Employers must also be cognizant of proper training as well as provide personal protective equipment like gloves or goggles for their staff.

3. Property Damage

This category covers a wide array of potential situations. Theft, vandalism, fires, and floods are obvious hazards, but there may be some risks your clients haven’t yet considered.

For example, does the property host special events such as food festivals or concerts? If it’s a waterfront property, are there dock areas where watercraft could cause property damage?

Many business owners find out (too late) that their policy doesn’t cover certain situations. Their property insurance will pay to repair the building if there’s an office fire, but they may need a separate policy to replace the computers and other equipment.

4. Food Contamination

Even in the cleanest kitchens with the most cautious staff, the unexpected can still happen.

A power outage or equipment failure can spoil perishable items. A customer may fall ill due to food poisoning or a food allergy. The establishment may even have to close down for a period of time due to tainted food or illness.

5. Liquor Liability

Any business that serves alcoholic beverages adds an entire extra layer to its risk management. Even if they have well-trained staff with good intentions, a customer can still become intoxicated on their property.

This scenario opens the door for a whole slew of potential legal problems. The customer could injure themselves or someone else on the premises, or they could get unruly and damage the property. There’s the possibility of unknowingly serving underage customers.

There’s also the ever-present risk of an intoxicated individual getting behind the wheel. If a drunk driver gets into an accident after leaving a restaurant, bar, or hotel, the establishment could be held legally responsible .

6. Special Events

Many hospitality venues host special events such as weddings, corporate meetings, and live music performances. During holiday celebrations, your clients may host festivals, parades, fireworks displays, or other seasonal events.

Whether the event is private or public, there’s always the chance of something going wrong. A guest could injure themselves or someone else during the event.

Property damage is always a risk too, especially if there’s heavy equipment, pyrotechnics, or alcohol involved. Special events liability protects the entity that hosts the event — just in case things don’t go according to plan.

7. Traffic Accidents

Insurance producers also need to be aware of the potential dangers off their clients’ properties. Any business that uses vehicles for transportation, delivery, or other reasons needs commercial auto insurance.

This includes caterers, florists, food trucks, and restaurants that employ delivery drivers. It also includes large resorts, casinos, and hotels that offer shuttle services or rental vehicles for their customers.

The threat of a traffic accident (even at low speeds or in isolated areas) is always present. Make sure your clients have the insurance solutions they need to protect them against events that might occur off their property.

Insurance for the Hospitality Industry

The hospitality industry is full of potential dangers. Some risks, like a slip-and-fall incident, are obvious. Other risks may not even be on your client’s radar.

At Prime Insurance Company, we understand that no two businesses are alike. Every client faces different risks based on the size and nature of their business. Rather than a “one size fits all” solution, we write customized packages that address different sectors of the industry.

From general liability to active shooter coverage, we have the solutions your clients need. Click here to request a quote or give us a call at 800-257-5590.

Last updated8/23/22

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Rick J. Lindsey hails from Salt Lake City, Utah. He began working in the mailroom of his father’s Salt Lake City insurance firm, getting his introduction to the business that became his lifelong career. Lindsey quickly rose through the ranks while working in nearly every imaginable insurance industry job. As an entrepreneur, specialty lines underwriter, claims specialist, risk manager, and a licensed surplus lines broker, Rick Lindsey is highly skilled in all levels of leadership and execution. As he progressed on his career path, Rick discovered an urgent need for insurers willing to write policies for high-risk individuals and businesses. He was frequently frustrated that he could not provide the liability protection these entities desperately needed to safeguard their assets. He also formed the belief that insurance companies acted too quickly to settle frivolous claims. Lindsey decided to try a different approach. He started an insurance company and became the newly formed entity’s CEO. This opportunity has enabled Rick to fill a void in the market and provide a valuable service to businesses, individuals, and insurance agents who write high-risk business. Prime Insurance also specializes in helping individuals and businesses who live a lifestyle or participate in activities that make them difficult for traditional carriers to insure. If you’ve been denied, non-renewed, or canceled coverage, don’t give up quite yet. Chances are Prime Insurance can help.

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Chapter 11. Risk Management and Legal Liability

11.5 Occupational Health and Safety in Tourism

So far we have primarily discussed risk management from a client/guest perspective. However, substantial effort in a tourism and hospitality operation must be put into managing worker safety as well. Responsibilities for worker safety are generally legislated by occupational health and safety laws, which clearly dictate safety standards. Employers who fail to adhere to these standards may be penalized or fined (WorkSafeBC, 2015a).

WorkSafeBC is the provincial organization for occupational health and safety in BC. It is an independent agency managed by a board of directors who are appointed by government. The mandate of WorkSafeBC is to:

Promote the prevention of workplace injury, illness, and disease
Rehabilitate those who are injured and provide timely return to work
Provide fair compensation to replace workers’ loss of wages while recovering from injuries
Ensure sound financial management for a viable workers’ compensation system (2015b)

There was an average of 4300 tourism and hospitality WorkSafeBC claims each year from 2014 to 2018, which is slightly below the average of all sectors within BC. (WorkSafeBC, 2020c). To reduce these claims and protect workers, WorkSafeBC has an extensive worker safety program with educational resources and training programs available. A partnership with go2HR — the tourism and hospitality human resources organization — has been developed to raise awareness in tourism and hospitality about worker safety, particularly for young, vulnerable workers (go2HR, 2015).

A kitchen knife is held in one hand. A finger on the other hand has a bandage with a sad face.

The nature of tourism and hospitality often means operations need to employ a considerable number of employees; these are often entry-level positions, requiring little experience. Employers need to be cognizant of the requirements for worker safety under WorkSafeBC; failing to do so may result in fines for the operation, or far worse — workplace injuries to employees.

Spotlight On: WorkSafeBC BC Tourism and Hospitality Resources

WorkSafeBC has extensive resources for tourism and hospitality workers to avoid workplace injury. These include prevention tools for accommodation, adventure tourism, food and beverage, and events. WorkSafeBC also explains updates and changes to workers’ compensation in BC, and provides opportunities for courses and training in first aid and injury prevention. For more information, visit WorkSafeBC BC Tourism and Hospitality website .

In addition to concerns about safety, employers and employees must be aware of the Employment Standards Act . This act defines the legal requirements around employment such as minimum wage, breaks, meal times, vacation pay, statutory holidays, age of employment, and leave from work (British Columbia Ministry of Labour, 2015).

Take a Closer Look: Employment Standards Act FAQs

This list of frequently asked questions provides quick answers to inquiries about employment standards in BC, including whether employers are required to pay for sick leave, time in meetings, and coffee breaks. You can read more about them at the Employment Standards Act FAQs .

BC's occupational health and safety organization.

Defines legal requirements around employment such as minimum wage, breaks, meal times, vacation pay, statutory holidays, age of employment, and leave from work.

Introduction to Tourism and Hospitality in BC - 2nd Edition Copyright © 2015, 2020, 2021 by Morgan Westcott and Wendy Anderson, Eds is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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HOSPITALITY AND LEISURE | Common health and safety risks and how to reduce them

Employers are required to identify the hazards present in their workplace and to take reasonable steps to control the risks arising from those hazards.

A hazard is anything that is potentially dangerous, and even though individual workplaces have their own specific hazards, and the hospitality industry is diverse, there are a number of main areas of risk that hospitality business owners should be aware of.

In this article, we take a look at some of the general categories of risk you may encounter as an employer in the hospitality and leisure sector, and the steps you can take to ensure the health and safety of staff and visitors.

Slips and trips

Slips and trips are the single most common cause of major injury in UK workplaces. Every year in the hospitality industry alone, there are hundreds of major accidents caused by slips and trips. The occupations most affected are kitchen assistants, chefs and waiting staff.

In order to make sure your employees and others, such as visitors, are kept safe from harm, you must assess the risk arising from slips and trips and take sensible precautions to reduce these risks to as low a level as possible.

Some simple things to consider include:

Spilled substances. Spills from food or cooking are among the main causes of slips and should be immediately cleaned up. Post warning signs around spills or wet floors.
Flooring. Regularly check flooring condition and don’t put off repairs. As a temporary measure, highlight any damaged areas and, where possible, keep people away.
Unexpected trip hazards. Make sure boxes, bags, cables and other obstacles aren’t left lying around. Storage should always be provided for incoming deliveries and staff belongings.
Cleaning. Most slips happen on wet or dirty floors, so it’s important to ensure floors are cleaned regularly and kept free of water and grease. Anything on the floor should also be quickly and effectively removed. Make sure cleaning is correctly carried out and use slip-resistant waxes to polish and treat floors.

Ways to further reduce the risk of injury include installing non-slip tiling or other non-slip products, using rubber mats in areas where floors are constantly wet, and encouraging staff to wear non-slip footwear. These measures are simple and inexpensive to implement but will help to prevent costly fines.

Hospitality businesses can expect a constant stream of guests arriving and departing, and the law requires that premises are safe for use both by visitors and employees.

The simplest way of keeping your premises safe is to carry out a risk assessment of your buildings and site. This will help to identify anything of a serious nature that has the potential to cause harm.

Gas appliances, flues, pipework and safety devices must also be maintained in a safe condition. They should be inspected by one of your legally required competent persons and you should check that contractors have a current Gas Safety Register certificate of competence. Make sure electrical equipment is regularly safety checked and that there is a system in place for faulty items to be identified and removed. The best protection against electrical hazards is to install residual current devices (safety switches) on all electrical circuits.

Perhaps the most simple yet effective precaution you can take is to conduct regular walk-through checks so that any unsafe conditions or acts that may cause injury can be identified and corrective measures taken. In many cases, a simple tour of your premises will highlight measures that can be immediately implemented.

Make sure there is good lighting, especially on stairs or pedestrian areas that are uneven, so that people can see ahead clearly.

You should also test fire detectors and alarms to ensure they are in good working order.

Manual handling

Assess the risk of injury from hazardous manual handling that can’t be avoided; and
Reduce the risk of injury from hazardous manual handling as far as reasonably possible.
You should risk assess all standard operations, including cleaning and maintenance activities.
Training staff in proper lifting techniques;
Using mechanical aids like hand trolleys, pallet jacks, carts and concierge trolleys; and
Thinking about the work area and organising it in a way that reduces the need for lifting, moving and carrying.

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Training is essential to enable workers to carry out their tasks safely, without risk to themselves or others. As well as being fundamental to reducing accidents, it is also a legal requirement under the Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) 1974 , so it’s an area you can’t afford to overlook.

Use the following three steps when training staff:

Prepare the worker. Explain the job in detail, including any hazards, safety precautions or required personal protective equipment.
Train the worker. Demonstrate and describe specific procedures. Have them perform procedures until they can do them exactly as required.
Check progress. Monitor workers to ensure safety standards are being maintained. Make unscheduled check-ups and correct any unsafe work habits.

Even the simplest of tasks should be explained fully to all employees. If a written safe system of work for the task is available, provide the worker with a copy.

Failure to provide staff with sufficient information, instruction, training and supervision may lead to criminal prosecution and a substantial fine, so properly inducting employees is essential.

Young workers

The hospitality industry employs a large numbers of young people, who are likely to lack experience and awareness of workplace risks. In fact, half of all work-related accidents involving young workers aged 15 to 24 happen during the first six months of work.

Special care should therefore be taken to ensure young workers receive adequate education, training and supervision. Discuss safety topics during their orientation and training, and encourage new recruits to ask questions whenever necessary.

Common equipment, such as general maintenance equipment and electrical tools, may cause serious injury, and poorly-maintained equipment is a significant cause of accidents in the hospitality industry. Regular maintenance by competent staff will help to ensure equipment performs well and reliably, and help to prevent accidents. Of course, the maintenance itself must also be done safely.

Periods between maintenance may vary depending on the equipment and its use, so always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Guarding machinery, when used properly, can also protect workers. Reduce their risk of injury by:

Making sure all guards are in place before use.
Checking the manufacturer’s instructions on safe use.
Retrofitting older equipment with guards.
Unplugging equipment before clean-up, maintenance or repairs.

Hazardous chemicals

Many different types of hazardous cleaning chemicals are used in the hospitality industry, including drain-cleaning products, oven cleaners, disinfectants, toilet cleaners, bleach, sanitisers and de-scalers.

When using or handling chemicals, always:

Use the least hazardous chemicals;
Wear personal protective equipment – for example, gloves, face mask, long sleeve clothing and, if required, respirator;
Store chemicals safely and securely when not in use; and
Make sure safety data sheets are available where hazardous chemicals are stored and used – they provide safety advice and details of the chemical.

How to minimise risk

Most workplace injuries and illnesses can be prevented if workplace hazards are identified and the risks from them removed or minimised. Ways to minimise risks include:

Developing and implementing safe systems of work;
Making sure workers follow these safe ways of working and use appropriate personal protective equipment;
Modifying work processes or equipment to make them safer (for example, by evaluating safety features when buying or replacing equipment);
Regular safety inspections to help to identify hazards so that you can assess and control any risks;
Periodically observing what workers are doing on the job and assessing any risks resulting from their acts; and
Holding regular monthly meetings with workers to discuss health and safety matters.

A risk assessment is typically structured as follows:

Identify all possible hazards.
Evaluate the risk arising from these hazards in terms of likelihood and severity, and decide on the relevant control measures to be taken.
Put identified control measures in place.
Monitor and regularly review assessments and action.

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What Are the Accidents in Tourism Industry?

By Alice Nichols

As the tourism industry continues to grow, so do the incidents of accidents that occur within it. While many people may think of accidents in the tourism industry as rare occurrences, the truth is that they happen more often than we might like to think. In this article, we will explore some of the most common types of accidents that occur in the tourism industry and how you can take steps to prevent them.

Accidents Involving Transportation

One of the most common types of accidents in the tourism industry involves transportation. Whether it’s a car accident, a train derailment, or a plane crash, these incidents can cause serious injuries or even death. Some common causes of transportation-related accidents include driver error, mechanical failure, and poor weather conditions.

Tips for Preventing Transportation Accidents

Make sure all drivers are properly trained and licensed
Regularly maintain all vehicles and equipment
Monitor weather conditions and adjust travel plans accordingly

Accidents Caused by Unsafe Conditions

Another common type of accident in the tourism industry is one caused by unsafe conditions. This could be anything from a slip and fall on a wet floor to an injury caused by faulty equipment. These incidents can happen anywhere from hotels to amusement parks.

Tips for Preventing Accidents Caused by Unsafe Conditions

Maintain a clean environment free from hazards such as wet floors or loose wires
Regularly inspect all equipment to ensure it is functioning properly
Provide adequate signage warning guests of potential hazards

Natural Disasters and Emergencies

While not as common as other types of accidents, natural disasters and emergencies can still occur in the tourism industry. These can include anything from earthquakes and hurricanes to terrorist attacks or other acts of violence.

Tips for Preparing for Natural Disasters and Emergencies

Create an emergency plan that outlines procedures for different types of emergencies
Train all staff members on how to respond to emergencies
Regularly review and update emergency plans as necessary

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The 5 most common hospitality injuries

It’s common knowledge that working in the Hospitality industry is fast and frenetic so it’s not a surprise there are a lot of workplace injuries.

In 2016/17 approximately 434,000 injuries caused up to seven days of absence in each case. A further 175,000 caused a period of absence over seven days. According to the Health and Safety Executive , the accommodation and food services sector has a lower statistically significant amount of work-related illness, but a higher statistically significant work accident rate.

What’s the cause of these higher than average injuries? According to Boutique Hotelier , the most common injuries in the hospitality sector are slips, trips and falls.

Lifting/handling

The second-most common workplace injury is lifting/handling accidents, clocking in at 22% of all non-fatal injuries.

Prevention:

Prevention of lifting/handling injuries include:

Training on how to lift heavy goods
If you think lifting equipment should be in place for a task, speak to your employer. Employees are often the best eyes and ears for potential risks!
Ask for help with lifting heavy items

If you suffer a strain:

Slips, trips and falls

Accidents of this nature are the most common among non-fatal injuries to employees, accounting for 29% of the most common non-fatal accident kinds . It’s hardly surprising, given the nature of such accidents — nearly every workplace has the capacity to develop a slip or trip hazard! A spilled drink in the office, a curled rug corner in a shop, or something bigger like an oil or chemical spill in a factory. These things happen, but the problem arises when the spills and trip hazards aren’t addressed immediately, turning the risk into a cause.

Key elements of prevention of slips, trips and falls include:

Signs for slippery areas
Danger tape to highlight any potential trip hazards, such as steps or uneven flooring
Non-slip footwear
Signs to signal any recent spills
Adequate lighting
A process in place that has spills tended to immediately

If you fall:

The NHS recommends in the event of a slip, trip, or fall, to take your time when getting up. Only do so if you feel strong enough to.

Struck by an object

Being struck by an object is the third most common workplace injury, and accounts for 10% of workplace injuries. Such injuries can cause a varying degree of problems, from minor cuts and bruises to more serious results like concussion or even blindness .

Items falling from a high shelf, moving loads with machinery, and dropping tools are all common causes of these accidents.

Depending on the sector you work in, the prevention methods may differ:

Following from this, be sure that these items won’t be easily knocked
Heavier items should be stored near the ground, and lighter items higher up.
Self-standing items should be secured or stabled
When using machinery to move loads, such as when operating a pallet truck or trolley, stick to designated routes
Avoid working or moving under a moving load
Inspect lifting apparatus to ensure everything is working

If you are struck by an object:

Fall from height

At 7% of all non-fatal workplace accidents, falling from a height covers falling from ladders and scaffolding, or any other structure or platform that isn’t at floor-level. Although falling from a height is the fourth most common non-fatal work accident, they are the third highest contributor to fatal injuries at 20%.

Injuries from these sorts of accidents include broken limbs, fractures, bruises, concussion, and more.

Health and Safety Executive conducted a study within the food and drinks sector of 150 falls from height. The most common places to fall from where ladders (40%), vehicles (17%), machinery (10%), platforms (10%), stairs (8%), roof (7%), scaffold (4%), warehouse racking (4%).

Where possible, control points and work should be designed to take place on ground level where possible
Steps, railing, etc.
Minimise the risk of falling from a ladder climbing slowly, and avoid sudden movements
Ensure the type of ladder or scaffolding is correct for the job at hand
Do not overreach when on a ladder or scaffolding

If you fall from a height:

Due to the nature of these accidents, the injuries that result can be widely varied. Depending on the severity of the injury, medical attention will likely be required for a fall from a height.

Acts of violence

The fifth most common non-fatal workplace accident comes as a result of violence, with 7% of accidents at work attributed to this.

The injury caused by acts of violence can vary wildly, but that doesn’t mean they cannot be prevented.

Regular staff meetings can be effective in highlighting problems faced day-to-day at work
Informing your employer is a strong first step to having the matter addressed
Detailed records of previous incidents will help to identify patterns, causes, and areas of concern
Physical security measures, such as CCTV and security locks
Wider counters can help protect staff in customer-facing roles

Accidents happen, it’s a fact of life. But the workplace ought to have measures in place to reduce the risk as much as feasible possible to protect its employees. There has been a downward trend in self-reported workplace non-fatal injuries in the lead up to 2010/11, but it hasn’t risen or dropped significantly in recent years. With the right prevention methods, these common workplace accidents can hopefully be prevented enough to see another decrease soon.

https://www.boutiquehotelier.com/biggest-five-health-hazards-hospitality/

https://www.bytestart.co.uk/10-most-common-workplace-accidents-injuries.html

https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/causinj/index.htm

https://www.constructconnect.com/blog/construction-safety/top-causes-construction-accident-injuries-prevent/

https://www.thecaterer.com/articles/201188/preventing-accidents

https://www.i-hospitality.co.uk/Health-and-Safety/Workplace-Accidents-Injuries/index.asp

https://www.workplacesafetyadvice.co.uk/common-injuriescauses-accidents-work.html

https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/industry/

https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/minimizing-the-risk-of-ladder-falls-2

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https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg69.pdf

Issues in Tourist Health, Safety and Wellbeing

First Online: 30 November 2021

Cite this chapter

Jeff Wilks ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-3553-0039 5 ,
Donna Pendergast ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-8305-6127 6 ,
Peter A. Leggat ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-8749-014X 7 &
Damian Morgan ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-2811-2720 8

761 Accesses

1 Citations

At the time of writing the most pressing issue for the tourism industry is to survive economically until vaccines for COVID-19 can be widely distributed, allowing travel to recommence globally. While international travel has been largely suspended in 2020 the industry focus has turned to domestic tourism in most destinations, taking onboard COVID-safe measures to protect travellers. At the same time, the core issues of how to keep tourists safe and healthy more broadly have not changed. This chapter looks at current issues and examines the shift from risk management and prevention in tourism prevalent in the 1990s, where the industry had a very proactive approach to customer health and safety, to a more recent crisis management and recovery framework economically driven in response to significant challenging events. In the new normal customer care is in ascendency again with the need to anticipate health and safety issues, develop protocols and emergency plans, train staff and constantly monitor activity to deliver quality services. Tools and strategies that have fallen into disuse in recent years are still available and very relevant to address current issues. The tourism industry and individual tourists must accept that COVID-19 will have lasting impacts on the future of travel and recognise that the world will never completely return to the old ways of doing things. In the new normal we will need to embrace both new and existing ways of keeping travellers safe.

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Zeithaml, V. A., Parasuraman, A., & Berry, L. L. (1990). Delivering quality service: Balancing customer perceptions and expectations . The Free Press.

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Wilks, J., Pendergast, D., Leggat, P.A., Morgan, D. (2021). Issues in Tourist Health, Safety and Wellbeing. In: Wilks, J., Pendergast, D., Leggat, P.A., Morgan, D. (eds) Tourist Health, Safety and Wellbeing in the New Normal. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-5415-2_1

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Pandemics and Travel

ISBN : 978-1-80071-071-9 , eISBN : 978-1-80071-070-2

Publication date: 3 September 2021

Tourism activity is a global industry and, as such, it is subject to global risks. International travel has developed exponentially over the last few decades. At the same time, diseases have increased their geographical spread influenced by ecologic, genetic and human factors. Currently, the increasing virus, epidemic and pandemic outbreaks represent some of the most negative consequences of globalization, causing deaths and significant economic losses due to the negative impacts they have on the tourism industry, one of the sectors that have been the most affected by health crises.

This work presents insights on the epidemics, pandemics and virus outbreaks that have occurred throughout the twenty-first century and how those occurrences have affected the tourism industry and the global economy. A brief literature review on health risks in tourism is presented, followed by a clinical perspective to help people understand the differences between endemics, outbreaks, epidemics and pandemics. Then, the study offers a presentation of the most significant pandemics in recent human history and a deep analysis of the COVID-19 disease. Finally, the effects that the different pandemics, epidemics and outbreaks that occurred in the present century had on tourism are explained, and the challenges tourism has to face are presented and discussed.

Health risks
Epidemics and pandemics
Impacts on tourism
Virus outbreaks
Challenges for tourism industry

Acknowledgements

This work was funded by national funds through FCT – the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (UID/ECO/00124/2013 and Social Sciences DataLab, Project 22209), POR Lisboa (LISBOA-01-0145-FEDER-007722 and Social Sciences DataLab, Project 22209), POR Norte (Social Sciences DataLab, Project 22209) and under the projects UIDB/05583/2020 and UIDB/04084/2020. Furthermore, we would like to thank CEGOT – Geography and Spatial Planning Research Centre, and Research Centre in Digital Services (CISeD), the Polytechnic of Viseu and the Faculty of Arts & Humanities of the University of Coimbra for their support.

Abrantes, A.M. , Abrantes, J.L. , Silva, C. , Reis, P. and Seabra, C. (2021), "Health Risks, Pandemics and Epidemics Affecting Tourism: Understanding COVID-19 Pandemic", Seabra, C. , Paiva, O. , Silva, C. and Abrantes, J.L. (Ed.) Pandemics and Travel ( Tourism Security-Safety and Post Conflict Destinations ), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 7-28. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80071-070-220211002

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The 3 Most Common Injuries in the Hospitality Sector (And How To Avoid Them)

Did you know that the hospitality industry employs over 15 million Americans , making it the 5th largest industry in the USA? Lodging, amusement parks, museums, restaurants, bars, and large event venues are a few fields within the hospitality sector. If you or someone you know works in the hospitality industry, it is important to understand the most common accidents, injuries, and how to prevent them.

How To Prevent Accidents in the Hospitality Industry

Read on to learn more about the most common accidents and preventative measures.

Slips, Falls, and Trips

Slips, falls, and trips can occur because of various factors. Cluttered steps, walkways, sidewalks, and other high-traffic areas can become hazardous when filled with items that don’t belong. Greasy or wet floors and low lighting can also be contributors.

There are several ways to prevent these types of injuries.

1. Install slip-resistant rubber mats in wet and/or slippery areas.

Slip-resistant mats can make extra-wet areas safer and more walkable by adding traction to the ground. Poolside walking areas, saunas, underneath kitchen sinks, beverage stations, and inside showers and dressing are areas are all places that could have lots of water on the ground. If you work in an environment that has water and/or other slippery substances on the floor you may want to ask your employer to install slip-resistant walkways or mats . You could encounter a slippery floor if you work inside of an industrial kitchen, in cleaning or housekeeping areas, or water recreation areas.

2. Wear proper slip-resistant shoes in slippery areas.

You can purchase slip-resistant shoes to wear in the same areas you would consider using slip-resistant rubber mats. Slip-resistant shoes usually have more traction than an average sneaker. Their extra tread allows liquid to move out from under your feet instead of sliding your foot along the ground, giving you more traction in the process. Shop around for a pair that delivers for your line of work.

3. Create comprehensive cleaning lists, maintenance checklists, and assign employees to perform non-routine tasks that eliminate other hazards.

Routine and mundane tasks can cause employees to mentally check out. Consider asking your employer to allocate tasks across various people, or add variety to the tasks you already have. Keeping areas clean and maintained can also help eliminate risks for accidents.

Injury From Unsafe Lifting

Unsafe lifting could lead to serious injury. Studies show many cases with improper lifting using your lower back can lead to hotel accidents. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than one million workers suffer back injuries each year, and back injuries account for one of every five workplace injuries or illnesses. We encourage you to seek out resources that provide proper training in safe lifting. The University of North Carolina has put together a post about proper lifting techniques and handling that can be found here .

Hazardous Contact with Machinery and Tools

Improper use of machinery and tools on the job can lead to injury. One-third of all reported restaurant workers’ compensation claims are made up of injuries like cuts, punctures, and scrapes. These injuries are often from improper knife handling during food preparation in commercial kitchens. No matter the field you’re in, make sure to speak with your employer about proper usage, review safety manuals, and seek sources to better your understanding of how to use machinery and tools safely.

In summary, it is important to learn about what accidents are specific to your industry and how to prevent them. Preventing slips, falls, trips, unsafe lifting, and hazardous contact with machinery and tools could aid in injury prevention.

If you have received an injury, view our services page to see if we can help you in recovery.

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Top 10 Unsafe Acts in Hospitality and Tourism

In the fast-paced world of hospitality and tourism, safety is not just a priority but a foundational requirement.

The industry thrives on delivering exceptional guest experiences , and ensuring safety is integral to maintaining this standard. However, amidst the excitement of serving diverse clientele and managing complex operations, there are inherent risks that must be identified and managed effectively. Here, we explore in depth the top 10 unsafe acts that can compromise safety in hospitality and tourism .

Inadequate Training of Staff

The cornerstone of a safe hospitality environment lies in the competence of its staff. Proper training is essential for equipping employees with the skills and knowledge to handle a wide array of situations—from guest interactions to emergency responses. Inadequate training not only increases the likelihood of errors but also exposes both employees and guests to unnecessary risks. Continuous training programs that cover safety procedures, first aid, fire safety, and customer service are crucial investments that contribute to a secure environment.

Ignoring Safety Protocols

Safety protocols are not mere guidelines; they are designed to prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of everyone within a hospitality setting. Whether it's wearing appropriate PPE , following correct procedures for handling hazardous materials, or adhering to fire evacuation plans, compliance with safety protocols is non-negotiable. Ignoring these protocols can lead to serious consequences, ranging from injuries to legal liabilities, and can severely impact the reputation of an establishment.

Improper Lifting and Handling

In hotels and resorts , staff members often engage in physically demanding tasks such as lifting heavy luggage, furniture, or equipment. Without proper training in ergonomic lifting techniques, employees are susceptible to musculoskeletal injuries such as strains, sprains, and even more serious conditions like herniated discs. Implementing safe lifting practices, providing lifting aids where necessary, and encouraging teamwork can significantly reduce the risk of injuries related to manual handling.

Neglecting Maintenance

The upkeep of facilities, equipment, and vehicles is fundamental to ensuring guest safety and satisfaction. Neglecting maintenance not only compromises the functionality and appearance of the premises but also creates potential hazards . From malfunctioning electrical systems to faulty plumbing and structural defects, unresolved maintenance issues can lead to accidents such as slips, trips, falls, and equipment failures. Regular inspections, timely repairs, and proactive maintenance schedules are essential preventive measures that uphold safety standards .

Substance Abuse

Substance abuse among hospitality staff poses serious safety risks for both employees and guests alike. Alcohol and drug use impair judgment, coordination, and reaction times, which are critical for performing tasks safely and efficiently . In environments where staff interact closely with guests, such impairments can compromise service quality, increase the likelihood of accidents, and damage the reputation of the establishment. Establishing clear policies on substance abuse, providing support for employees facing addiction issues, and promoting a culture of health and well-being are vital steps in mitigating this risk.

Overworking Staff

The demanding nature of hospitality work often leads to long shifts and irregular working hours for employees. While dedication and hard work are commendable traits, overworking staff can have detrimental effects on their physical and mental well-being . Fatigue diminishes concentration, slows reaction times, and increases the likelihood of errors and accidents . Employers should implement fair work schedules, encourage breaks, and promote a healthy work-life balance to prevent burnout and ensure that employees can perform their duties safely and effectively.

Inadequate Security Measures

Security is a fundamental aspect of hospitality operations , encompassing the safety of guests, employees, and property. Inadequate security measures expose establishments to risks such as theft, vandalism, assault, and even terrorism . Hotels, resorts, and tourist attractions must invest in comprehensive security systems, including surveillance cameras, access control measures, trained security personnel, and emergency response protocols . Creating a secure environment not only protects individuals but also enhances guest confidence and satisfaction.

Unsafe Food Handling

Food safety is paramount in hospitality settings where dining experiences are a cornerstone of guest satisfaction. Improper food handling practices, such as inadequate storage, incorrect cooking temperatures, cross-contamination, and poor hygiene, can lead to foodborne illnesses. These illnesses not only harm guests' health but also damage the reputation of food establishments. Strict adherence to food safety regulations , regular hygiene training for kitchen staff, proper sanitation practices, and routine inspections are essential measures to prevent foodborne outbreaks and maintain high standards of hygiene .

Lack of Emergency Preparedness

Emergencies such as natural disasters, medical incidents, fires, and security breaches can occur without warning in hospitality settings. Without proper preparation and swift response strategies, these emergencies can escalate into crises with severe consequences. Establishments must develop comprehensive emergency response plans, conduct regular drills and simulations, educate staff on emergency procedures, and ensure access to emergency equipment and communication systems . Proactive planning and readiness are critical in safeguarding lives and minimising damage during unforeseen events.

Ineffective Communication

Effective communication is the linchpin of a safe and efficient hospitality operation. Poor communication among staff members, between departments, or with guests can lead to misunderstandings, delays in addressing safety concerns , and even accidents. Clear communication channels, including verbal instructions, written procedures, and digital communication tools, facilitate smooth coordination, quick responses to emergencies, and seamless guest interactions. Regular training in communication skills and fostering a culture of open communication are essential for promoting safety and enhancing overall operational efficiency .

Maintaining safety in the dynamic environments of hospitality and tourism requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both human factors and operational considerations. By prioritising staff training, enforcing compliance with safety protocols, implementing preventive maintenance practices , and enhancing security measures, establishments can create secure environments that foster exceptional guest experiences. Vigilance, proactive measures, and continuous improvement are essential in mitigating risks and upholding the highest standards of safety and service excellence in the industry. As stakeholders in hospitality and tourism, it is our collective responsibility to nurture a culture of safety , ensuring that every guest and employee feels secure and valued in their interactions with our establishments.

If you're looking for a platform to collect more data to monitor your organisation's incident reporting practices, Falcony | Observe have you covered. You can find more information on our website or test out our 30-day free trial:

We are building the world's first operational involvement platform. Our mission is to make the process of finding, sharing, fixing and learning from issues and observations as easy as thinking about them and as rewarding as being remembered for them.‍

By doing this, we are making work more meaningful for all parties involved.

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15 Types of Safety Incidents in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry
1. Slips, Trips, and Falls. Uneven floors, wet surfaces, or cluttered pathways can lead to accidents resulting in injuries for both guests and employees. Typical risks: Wet floors from cleaning or spills without proper signage. Cluttered hallways and walkways obstructing pathways.
The most common work accidents in hospitality
The second-most common workplace injury is lifting/handling accidents, clocking in at 22% of all non-fatal injuries. Injuries from lifting and handling heavy items tend to revolve around muscle strains. Back pain, neck pain, arm pain, and leg pain can all result of a lifting or handling injury. These injuries usually occur over a stretch of ...
Five Common Hospitality Industry Injuries and How to Prevent Them
Accidents of this nature are the most common among non-fatal injuries to employees, accounting for 29 percent of the most common non-fatal accident kinds. It's hardly surprising, given the nature of such accidents — nearly every workplace has the capacity to develop a slip or trip hazard!
5 Common Hospitality Industry Injuries and How to Prevent Them
Unfortunately, hundreds of thousands of hospitality workers suffer workplace injuries that cause them to miss some time from work. Below are some of the most common types of hospitality industry injuries. Slip/Trip and Falls. Slip and fall or trip and fall rank among the most common types of workplace accidents in the hospitality industry.
7 Common Accidents in Hospitality and Tourism
1. Slips, Trips, and Falls. Slippery floors, uneven surfaces, and cluttered walkways are prevalent hazards in hospitality establishments, increasing the risk of slips, trips, and falls for guests and employees. These accidents can occur in lobbies, corridors, dining areas, pool decks, and other public spaces. Prevention:
What are the most common injuries in the hospitality industry?
Some of the most common injuries in the hospitality industry include: Slips, trips and falls. Lifting or handling injuries. Being hit by an object. Falling from a height. Injuries from acts of violence. Slips, trips and falls make up around 29% of all non-fatal accidents in the hospitality industry. That doesn't mean they're the only kind ...
Common Work Injuries In The Hospitality & Tourism Industry
Below are some of the most common injuries in the hospitality and tourism industry. Musculoskeletal injuries: The work of many hotel workers involves lifting and bending, which can lead to musculoskeletal injuries such as back pain, neck pain, or limb pain. Skin reactions: Housekeepers and cleaners in the hospitality industry come into contact ...
7 Risks Involved in the Hospitality Industry
1. Common Safety Hazards. We'll start with the obvious operational hazards, such as slips, trips, and falls. These risks aren't unique to the world of hospitality, but the industry is especially prone to these types of incidents. Food spills, wet floors, electrical wires, and steps all present opportunities for injuries.
Health and Safety in the Hotel Industry
Health and safety protocols are actionable steps hoteliers can use to protect staff and guests in the hotel. Health and safety protocols involve: Documenting hazards in the hotel environment. Communicating the potential hazards to all stakeholders. Implementing training procedures to mitigate the risks.
11.5 Occupational Health and Safety in Tourism
A partnership with go2HR — the tourism and hospitality human resources organization — has been developed to raise awareness in tourism and hospitality about worker safety, particularly for young, vulnerable workers (go2HR, 2015). Figure 11.8 Kitchen accidents are a common workplace injury in hospitality. Many are more serious than this.
20 Incident Types Every Hotel Must Track
4. Accidents. Keeping track of employee and guest accidents, and near misses is essential. Doing so helps you to spot trends of what incidents happen the most, and where on the premises they occur. When you know that, you can implement safety measures to deal with the most common risks leading to accident claims and reports.
A guide to hospitality health and safety hazards
Common equipment, such as general maintenance equipment and electrical tools, may cause serious injury, and poorly-maintained equipment is a significant cause of accidents in the hospitality industry. Regular maintenance by competent staff will help to ensure equipment performs well and reliably, and help to prevent accidents. Of course, the ...
What Are the Accidents in Tourism Industry?
One of the most common types of accidents in the tourism industry involves transportation. Whether it's a car accident, a train derailment, or a plane crash, these incidents can cause serious injuries or even death. Some common causes of transportation-related accidents include driver error, mechanical failure, and poor weather conditions.
The 5 most common hospitality injuries
Lifting/handling. The second-most common workplace injury is lifting/handling accidents, clocking in at 22% of all non-fatal injuries. Injuries from lifting and handling heavy items tend to revolve around muscle strains. Back pain, neck pain, arm pain, and leg pain can all result of a lifting or handling injury.
Health & safety in hospitality: The most common accidents
Although falling from a height is the fourth most common non-fatal work accident, they are the third highest contributor to fatal injuries, at 20%. Health and Safety Executive conducted a study within the food and drinks sector of 150 falls from height. The most common places to fall from where ladders (40%), vehicles (17%), machinery (10% ...
Issues in Tourist Health, Safety and Wellbeing
At the end of 2019 tourism was booming. The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO, 2021a) reported 1460 million international tourist arrivals globally and US$1481 billion in total international tourism receipts, up 3% on the previous year. 2019 was the 10th consecutive year of growth.The tourism industry was one of the largest and fastest-growing economic sectors in the world ...
Database feature: Safety and injuries in Adventure Tourism
Injuries among overseas visitor to New Zealand are presented by Bentley et al. (2001). Approximately 19% of all injuries involved recreational/adventure tourism activities, corresponding to 8.4 injuries per 100000 overseas visitor arrivals. This figure can be compared to that for motor vehicle traffic accidents (12 injuries per 100000 arrivals ...
Health Risks, Pandemics and Epidemics Affecting Tourism: Understanding
Tourism activity is a global industry and, as such, it is subject to global risks. International travel has developed exponentially over the last few decades. At the same time, diseases have increased their geographical spread influenced by ecologic, genetic and human factors. Currently, the increasing virus, epidemic and pandemic outbreaks ...
Emergency Preparedness for Disasters and Crises in the Hotel Industry
Terrorism also has a great impact on hospitality and the tourism industry. Great changes are occurring in the world vision toward safety and security, ... During the last decade, several accidents have shaken the hotel industry, for instance, the bombing of a car at the Marriott Hotel in Jakarta in 2003 killed 13 people and wounded 100 people. ...
The 3 Most Common Injuries in the Hospitality Sector
Slips, Falls, and Trips. Slips, falls, and trips can occur because of various factors. Cluttered steps, walkways, sidewalks, and other high-traffic areas can become hazardous when filled with items that don't belong. Greasy or wet floors and low lighting can also be contributors. There are several ways to prevent these types of injuries. 1.
Top 10 Unsafe Acts in Hospitality and Tourism
In the fast-paced world of hospitality and tourism, safety is not just a priority but a foundational requirement. The industry thrives on delivering exceptional guest experiences, and ensuring safety is integral to maintaining this standard.However, amidst the excitement of serving diverse clientele and managing complex operations, there are inherent risks that must be identified and managed ...
A heuristic outlook on the occupational accidents of food & beverage
Occupational Accidents at Hotels. According to Eurostat (2013), risk factors in tourism are generally assessed in two perspectives (a) risk factors that impact physical health (difficult postures or movements, lifting heavy items, noise and strong vibrations, chemicals, dust, smoke or gases, actions that require intense visual concentration ...
The Most Common Accidents
The Most Common Travel Accidents (And How Travel Insurance Helps) 1. Road Accidents: Stay Safe on Wheels. Road accidents, unfortunately, rank high among common travel accidents. Whether it's a minor fender bender or a more serious collision, unexpected crashes can disrupt your travel plans and leave you with medical bills and vehicle repair ...
PH tourism seen to take hit after Resorts World incident
First published: 6:16 p.m., June 2, 2017 The Resorts World Manila incident that left at least 38 dead will not likely affect general investor sentiment but may affect tourism, the head of the

Five Common Hospitality Industry Injuries and How to Prevent Them

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Lifting/Handling

Struck by an Object

Fall from Height

Acts of Violence

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Five Common Hospitality Industry Injuries and How to Prevent Them

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