There are thousands of hotels, motels and inns all across Connecticut. If you perform housekeeping duties in one of these places, you provide an essential function. That is, you have the opportunity to make the hotel into a welcoming space for guests from around the globe.
Going to work should not put your life or health in danger. Nevertheless, working in the hospitality sector can be hazardous to the health of any housekeeper. Here are four health risks hotel housekeepers may face:
1. Chemical exposure
Regardless of where you work in the hotel, you likely use harsh chemicals to perform your job duties. If you do not take appropriate safety measures, though, your health may deteriorate because of chemical exposure. That is, you may suffer a burn, lung damage, eye irritation or other injuries when using chemicals.
2. Musculoskeletal injuries
Cleaning hotel rooms often requires performing the same motions repeatedly. You may also have to lift heavy objects or bend in uncomfortable ways. Over time, you may sustain musculoskeletal injuries that cause both long-term and chronic pain. Carpel tunnel syndrome, herniated disks, strained ligaments and other similar injuries are not exactly uncommon in the hospitality industry.
3. Acute injuries
When working in guest rooms, laundry facilities, pool areas and other places, you likely encounter a variety of hazards. Your employer should take steps to minimize known workplace dangers. Still, you may cut yourself on a sharp object or hit your head on a blunt one. Either way, you may sustain an acute injury at work that requires emergency medical treatment.
4. Stress
Even under ideal conditions, hotels can be stressful places to work. As a housekeeper, though, you may face additional stressors in the workplace, such as sexual harassment or assault.
Clearly, working in the hotel industry has the potential to be hazardous to anyone’s health. Still, you should not have to worry about your well-being every time you clock in. By understanding the common types of injuries housekeepers face, you can better advocate for your health.
