The hotel world may seem all glitz and glamor to you but behind the scenes of this snazzy industry say something else. The frenzied hotel staff is the main force behind the luxurious environment and services you get.
While these people are committed to working hard to maintain the la di da appearance of the hotel, they are exposed to various safety risks which are often overlooked.
Our article is an overview of what everyday safety risks look like for a hotel employee. But the most important part of this article is about the safety protocols that can prove to be the most efficient ones in such scenarios and why all hotel employees should carry a safety device.
Once these safety protocols are inculcated in the system, there will be a positive boost in employee retention and overall organizational performance.
Everyday Safety Risks For Hotel Employees At Work
To effectively introduce the safety culture in the hospitality industry, we need to first go through the safety concerns the hotel staff has to put up with. Here is what we have:
Harassment Horror
Harassment and bullying in the hotel industry may be one of the biggest threats an employee faces during the employment period. From housekeepers to bartenders and even managers, all become victims of harassment at one point or another.
According to The Guardian report, 89% of workers in the hotel industry have faced sexual harassment at least once during their work life.
Harassment can come in any form. It can be verbal, physical, or emotional. Physical harassment is especially linked with this industry due to the high level of customer interaction and the housekeeping department has been the most vulnerable.
An emergency safety device worn on the uniform is the best way to deal with such unfortunate occurrences.
Medical Emergency
Due to the severe pressures of the hospitality sector, almost all of the hotel staff are prone to medical emergencies at some point. An elevator attendant, housekeeper, laundry staff, or anyone else there can undergo the risks of heart failure, respiratory arrest, unconsciousness, or acute stress.
If the first point of contact is an emergency safety device worn by the hotel staff, help can reach within seconds of an incident happening. Emergency happening in the elevator or the electric room to any employee can be best handled via a personal panic button in these devices.
With each passing year, different states in the US are passing laws for making emergency safety devices mandatory for hotel employees for their well-being.
Verbal Or Physical Threats
Employees at the front desk are prone to the risks of physical or verbal assault from hotel guests or people coming in for inquiries. Front desk employees are the first point of contact for guests for check-ins, inquiries, mitigating complaints and so much more.
Things do not go smoothly all the time for them. Some guests can get aggressive and lash out verbally or even physically at them depending on how ugly the situation gets.
A personal panic button can alert security to reach within seconds to save the assault from happening, hence saving lives.
Exposure To Physical Injuries
Hotels employees especially maintenance workers are subjected to the risk of physical injuries at all times. Climbing high ladders and fixing things in troubled and hard-to-reach spots to make sure the hotel keeps up with its reputed appearance can cause head injuries or bone fractures where calling for help can become cumbersome.
This is the reason why the hotels have a major turnover rate of maintenance workers. Implementing emergency buttons not only fulfills a necessary aspect of hotel management but also improves employee retention and fosters a sense of loyalty among staff members.
Housekeeper Safety and the Importance of Panic Buttons
Housekeepers play a crucial role in maintaining the cleanliness and order of hotel rooms, but their job comes with its own set of workplace safety challenges and safety risks. From dealing with aggressive guests to encountering hazardous materials, housekeepers need robust safety protocols in place.
Why Housekeepers Need Panic Buttons
Housekeepers often work alone in guest rooms, making them particularly vulnerable to harassment or assault. A panic button can provide an immediate lifeline in such situations, ensuring that help arrives swiftly. This not only enhances their safety but also gives them peace of mind knowing that their wellbeing is prioritized.
Benefits of Panic Buttons for Housekeepers
- Immediate Assistance: In the event of an emergency, housekeepers can press the panic button to alert security and receive immediate assistance.
- Location Tracking: Most emergency devices come with location tracking, allowing security personnel to find the housekeeper quickly.
- Deterrent Effect: The presence of a panic button can act as a deterrent to potential aggressors, reducing the likelihood of incidents occurring.
Training for Effective Use
Proper training is essential for housekeepers to effectively use panic buttons. They should be well-versed in activating the device and aware of the protocols that follow once the button is pressed. Regular drills and updates on safety protocols can ensure that housekeepers are always prepared.
Importance of Workplace Safety in the Hospitality Industry
Ensuring workplace safety doesn’t just protect employees; it enhances overall business performance. When hotel employees feel safe, they are more likely to be productive and provide better service to guests. This, in turn, leads to higher guest satisfaction and loyalty.
Safety protocols and the use of emergency devices like personal panic buttons are crucial in preventing accidents and reducing the risk of harassment, medical emergencies, and physical threats.
Preventive Measures For Hotel Employee Safety
Here is how the hotel industry can respond to the safety concerns that the hotel staff commonly face.
Proper Training
The hotel staff must receive regular training and updates to keep their skill and knowledge up-to-date and effective in case of an emergency.
- Staff should be trained on the proper procedures to follow in the event of an emergency, such as an active shooter situation, a fire, or a medical emergency.
- Staff should be trained on basic self-defense techniques, as well as how to recognize and avoid potentially dangerous situations.
- Staff should be trained on how to properly evacuate guests and staff in the event of an emergency.
- Staff should be trained on how to properly use panic buttons and emergency devices, such as walkie-talkies, pagers, or duress buttons.
Leveraging Tech
Personal panic buttons, also known as emergency buttons, are devices that are used to quickly alert security or emergency personnel in the event of an emergency. They are typically small devices that can be worn on the body and can be activated by pressing a button.
- The signal from the panic button is sent to the police station or emergency response units, where security personnel or emergency responders can be dispatched to the location, thanks to the presence of location tracking available in such devices.
- These buttons can also be used to alert on-site security personnel or to trigger an alarm that alerts others in the building.
- The personal security and emergency device comes with a built-in speaker so that calling for help in an emergency may not only be dependent on using your hands or your phone.
Final Thoughts
Personal safety devices are often used by people who work in high-risk environments, such as security personnel, medical staff, or hotel employees. They can also be used by people with medical conditions or disabilities that put them at higher risk of accidents or emergencies.
It is a useful tool and a great solution for ensuring personal safety and peace of mind for hospitality sector workers since for a long time, there hasn’t been a thought regarding their personal safety.
Silent beacon is a real-time technology for harnessing the power of personal safety. The platform provides enhanced safety for community workers, hotel employees, or any other organization employee, and even you as an individual at home.
A single click of the Silent Beacon’s Panic button can ping your loved ones in under milliseconds. Not only that but with Silent Beacon by your side, be assured that professional help will reach you without losing a minute. Because your life is important to us.
In conclusion, prioritizing workplace safety and implementing effective safety protocols and emergency devices can significantly enhance the well-being and productivity of hotel employees. By doing so, hotels can create a safer and more welcoming environment for both staff and guests.
