The accommodation services industry can pose health and safety risks for workers and visitors. The work may be physically demanding and carried out under pressure, leading to a higher risk of injuries. Workers also engage with the public which can increase the risk of violence and harassment.
Accommodation services may include:
- hotels and motels
- caravan and camping grounds
- resorts, holiday rentals
- youth hostels.
Accommodation workplaces include areas where workers interact directly with patrons. For example:
- service desks
- concierge counters
- lobbies
- offices
- hotel rooms.
Vulnerable workers in accommodation services
Accommodation services often employ vulnerable workers, including:
- young workers
- part-time and casual workers
- culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) workers.
Vulnerable workers may:
- be more at risk of work health and safety injuries
- be less aware of what WHS laws are and how they apply.
Young workers, due to their inexperience in the workplace, may not notice when a situation becomes dangerous. They may be:
- developing their skills
- unfamiliar with workplace behaviours
- reluctant to make requests, ask questions or speak out about health and safety concerns
- overly keen to please and make a good impression
- over-confident in their capabilities.
Hazards
Potential hazards are not limited to what is outlined below.
- Hazardous manual tasks
- Hazardous chemicals
- Slips, trips and falls
- Psychosocial hazards such as work-related violence and aggression, harassment and bullying
- Fatigue.