NORA outlines risks among hotel housekeeping staff

Washington – NIOSH’s National Occupational Research Agenda recently issued a fact sheet (.pdf file) on safety and health concerns among hotel cleaners.

According to NORA, hotel cleaners represent approximately 400,000 of the 1.8 million workers in the traveler/accommodations industry. They dust, vacuum, change linens, clean bathrooms and empty trash, and may be exposed to ergonomics hazards; mold; infectious agents; occupational stress; respiratory hazards; and slips, trips and falls.

Safety recommendations include:

  • Evaluate the quality and ensure the maintenance of cleaning equipment
  • Encourage use of ergonomic carts and vacuum cleaners
  • Research guest practices that would improve work environment

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