Some hotel workers face higher on-the-job injury risks than others. If you currently work as one of California’s many hotel housekeepers, you have the highest risk of injury of any profession within the service sector. The risks are even higher if you are a female housekeeper. Research shows that Hispanic female housekeepers face the highest injury risks within the hotel housekeeping profession.
According to UNITEHERE, hotel workers, in general, face a 40%-higher injury rate than others employed in the service sector. Yet, hotel housekeepers have an injury rate that is 50% higher than that of all other hotel workers.
How common hotel housekeeper injuries are
Hotel housekeepers have an injury rate of 7.9 per every 100 full-time workers. Hispanic hotel housekeepers see an even higher injury rate, with members of this population suffering 10.6 injuries for every 100 of them working full-time. This makes Hispanic housekeepers twice as likely as white workers to suffer serious on-the-job injuries. Also, 91% of hotel housekeepers across the nation who participated in a recent survey reported experiencing pain as a result of their professions.
What causes hotel housekeeper injuries
Hotel housekeepers often face tight, demanding schedules that force them to perform physical labor quickly. When the work pace speeds up, so, too, does the chance of a work-related injury. Cleaning hotel rooms also often involves heavy lifting, with many hotel housekeepers experiencing lifting-related injuries. Cleaning large TVs and floor-to-ceiling showers also places a strain on the body.
Hotel housekeepers who suffer work-related injuries may be able to obtain workers’ compensation insurance to help offset the costs associated with medical care and related expenses.
