Denver and the surrounding metropolitan area is considered a tourist destination, particularly during the winter months when people from around the globe flock to the area in order to ski down the fresh, fluffy powder. This has encouraged the development of many different types of hotels, from high-end ski resorts to intimate boutique hotels and affordable, budget-friendly accommodations. Regardless of the type of property that an individual works at, hotel workers must recognize the unique risks of their jobs as well as take measures to prevent injuries from occurring.
Common injuries to hotel workers
The job responsibilities of hotel workers will vary based on their position, but many of them are tasked with the job of cleaning, maintaining and caring for the property. As a result, the most common injuries to hotel workers include:
- Slip-and-fall injuries: Hotel workers often need to work quickly and move fast throughout the property in order to accomplish their tasks on time. This puts them at risk for slipping and falling, especially if there is standing water in places such as the pool area, the lobby, or within the hallways.
- Musculoskeletal injuries: Hotel workers spend a significant portion of their day bending and lifting, which can lead to musculoskeletal injuries. These injuries can range from minor to severe, depending on what triggers the injury and how soon it is treated by medical professionals.
- Skin reactions: Hotel workers come into contact with a variety of chemicals on a daily basis, particularly strong cleaning agents. These chemicals can result in skin reactions. If not treated, these uncomfortable reactions can lead to more severe complications.
Risk of illness and medical conditions
Hotel workers also are at-risk from developing illnesses specifically related to their jobs. Given the amount of chemicals that hotel workers come in contact with on a daily basis, these employees are at an increased risk of developing respiratory illnesses. Also, hotel workers also are at-risk of contracting infectious diseases that can be carried through bodily fluids, such as blood, feces or vomit.
Safety tips for hotel employees
Hotel employees as well as hotel managers and operators need to work together to prevent injuries in the workplace. These safety tips can help protect workers as they fulfill their job responsibilities within a hotel each and every day:
- Wear and utilize all protective equipment that they are provided, including gloves and masks.
- Be aware of their surroundings and use caution when working on or near slippery surfaces.
- Managers should provide workers with ergonomic equipment, including vacuums, carts and mops.
- Maintain all equipment that is used for cleaning within the hotel.
- Have a system in place in which hotel workers can report hazards. When reported, those hazards should be promptly addressed in order to prevent an injury from occurring.
When the management team as well as the employees work together in order to reduce risks and prevent injuries within the workplace, everyone benefits. Employees do not suffer as many injuries while working, and they can continue to do their jobs every day. Employers do not have to worry about high worker's compensation costs and they will know that their employees will be able to perform their jobs.
What to do if you are injured while working for a hotel in Denver
If an injury does occur while you are working at a hotel, it's important that the incident is reported immediately and that you receive proper medical care as soon as possible. After you have been treated, you will want to work with a worker's compensation attorney who understands Colorado law and who can help you maximize your compensation. It is critical that you get the financial assistance you need.
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