Avoiding Common Hospitality Industry Injuries at Your B&B

Working at a bed and breakfast entails many strenuous tasks. The staff is presented with risks as they often work without direct supervision, which can lead to unverified claims, and exposure to potentially hazardous conditions. The physical demands, such as heavy lifting, put you and your staff at risk of injuries — and workers’ compensation claims.

We dive into three common industry injuries, how to prevent them and how to protect your B&B.

3 Common Hospitality Industry Injuries

1. Slips & Falls: Cleaning bathroom floors, showers and bathtubs can create slippery surfaces that increase the risk of an incident.
2. Straining & Spraining: Tasks such as lifting mattresses, pushing vacuum cleaners and contorting the body in uncomfortable positions to reach difficult-to-access areas while cleaning can all result in injuries.
3. Exposure to chemicals: Using cleaning agents containing chemicals can lead to long-term respiratory problems.

Implement & Communicate Safety Initiatives

It’s essential to practice good safety principles, including following all safety procedures, even if they seem unnecessary. Training your staff on these protocols and spreading awareness about them is equally important. If everyone observes the safety precautions, you can limit on-the-job accidents.

Uncover the most common risk exposures for bed and breakfasts.

Lifting Techniques to Avoid Injuries

When lifting heavy, awkward or cumbersome objects — alone or with coworkers — employees need to know the proper techniques and protocols.  Remember that proper lifting technique can not only protect you from potentially serious long-term injuries but also make your job easier. Use these dos and don’ts for handling heavy materials.

Do:

• Consider the weight of the load being lifted and whether you will need assistance from another staff member.
• Consider whether the size or shape of the load creates additional challenges.
• Determine if you will have to turn or change direction while carrying the load.
• Find out if the route is clear of obstructions and slip, trip or fall hazards.
• Make sure the ground is level and dry before lifting a load; spills or uneven surfaces could lead to extremely hazardous carrying conditions.
• Get as close as possible to the load when lifting, and lift using your legs.
• Bend from the knees.
• Always be aware of your balance and how the object or load may shift as you move.
• Look ahead instead of down to make sure your path is clear.
• Have someone else open doors, gates or other closed entries for you.
• Set the load down if it becomes too heavy or unstable.

Do NOT:

• Bend from the back; bend from the knees instead.
• Be afraid of asking for help if it will make the job easier and safer.
• Transport large items down the stairs if you can avoid it.
• Look down; look straight ahead to where you are going to keep your balance.
• Change direction by moving your hips or twist at the waist; instead, keep your body in line and change directions with your feet.
• Engage in reaching and lifting motions at the same time.

Stretching Exercises to Help You Avoid Injury

Tasks such as changing bedsheets, vacuuming and scrubbing bathrooms can take a toll on your body, especially your back. To reduce the risk of injury, most notably sprains and strains, it’s important to take a few minutes to warm up with a walk.  After a quick warm-up, you’re ready to stretch. Focus on your back muscles, which are commonly injured by innkeepers.

Safety First With CBIZ Innkeepers Insurance

It’s always wise to spend a bit more time doing the job safely than to risk a serious injury. Think of training and practicing good safety as both pain-free and profitable — a win-win situation for everyone. To discuss your unique risks and to learn more about coverage options, connect with a member of our team.

This blog may contain scenarios that are provided as examples only. Coverage is subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy issued. The information provided is general in nature and may be affected by changes in law or the interpretation of such laws. The reader is advised to contact a professional prior to taking any action based upon this information.

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