Chemical Exposure in Hotel/Hospitality Industry
In the hotel and hospitality industry, cleaning agents and other chemicals are frequently used to make sure bedrooms, common areas, and other areas are clean and suitable for guests. While many cleaning products are safe to use, frequent or intense exposure to certain products or chemicals can lead to health concerns for workers in the hotel and hospitality industry.
If you’re a business owner in the hotel and hospitality industry, here are a few common products to be aware of.
- Cleaning agents and disinfectants. While common in the hotel and hospitality industry, everyday cleaning agents can still cause problems for your employees. If a worker is frequently exposed to cleaning agents, they may be at risk of conditions like skin irritation, eye irritation, and respiratory issues, especially if they are working in an area without proper ventilation.
- Laundry chemicals. Some employees in the hotel and hospitality industry might handle laundry chemicals, like detergents, fabric softeners, or stain removers. Like cleaning agents, laundry chemicals can cause irritation and breathing problems if they are frequently or intensely used.
- Pest control chemicals. In some cases, workers might use pest control chemicals like pesticides or insecticides. If they are not properly handled or a worker has intense exposure to a pest control chemical, they can suffer from respiratory problems and other health concerns.
- Pool chemicals. If a hotel has a pool, workers might come into contact with pool cleaning chemicals, like chlorine. Chemicals like these can be dangerous if improperly handled, and can lead to chemical burns and other serious health risks.
- Mold and mildew. Hotels and other hospitality facilities might have areas that are prone to mold and mildew, like bathrooms or locker rooms. If mold and mildew are not properly handled, they can lead to health issues from employees, including irritation and allergies. Additionally, products used to treat mold and mildew can cause irritation, respiratory troubles, and other issues for employees.
Protecting Your Hotel and Hospitality Employees from Chemical Exposure Risks
As a business owner in the hotel and hospitality industry, there are many steps you can take to protect your employees from exposure to harmful chemicals. These include:
- Offering any necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves or masks
- Ensuring adequate ventilation in areas where chemicals are used or stored
- Carefully and safely storing chlorine, pesticides, and other chemicals
- Using non-toxic cleaning products, when applicable
- Keeping all employees trained on how to safely use and store chemicals and chemical products
You should also offer robust Workers’ Compensation coverage to protect your employees and business from chemical exposure and other common risks. However, it can be difficult for businesses in the hotel and hospitality industry to find coverage, and you may face challenges like high premiums or limited coverage options. there are many industries that have chemical exposure risks, from Hotels, to Temp Staffing, Drug and Alcohol and Cannabis to name a few.
At Work Comp Business Insurance Solutions, we help business owners find the best Workers’ Compensation and payroll solutions.To learn more about our services and how we can help your business, visit us online at https://www.wcbis.com.
