NORWALK, CONN.—HEI Hotels & Resorts announced a 9 percent reduction in lost-time accidents, with corresponding improvements in claim costs and total claims, through 2011 compared to 2010, underscoring the company’s commitment to employee safety and well-being. “There’s nothing more important than the safety and well-being of our associates,” said HEI Hotels & Resorts chairman Gary Mendell. “The new tools and increased training are sound investments in the future for our associates, their families and our communities.”
In addition to safety programs, HEI launched a nation-wide wellness initiative in February in which almost 2,000 associates pledged personal commitments toward improving their well-being in tangible ways. The company’s combined investments in associate safety and well-being are creating a new culture across HEI’s 43 properties, as lost-time accidents declined 9 percent, claim costs declined 28 percent, and total claims dropped almost 11 percent at the end of 2011 from year-before levels.
“We try to ingrain our focus on safety in the daily work of our employees, through new practices, new and innovative products, and company-wide initiatives,” CEO Anthony Rutledge said. “We’re always looking for new and innovative ideas to improve safety for our employees. Significant savings in claim costs allow us to reinvest in our business, and increase opportunities for our employees.”
Safety initiatives across properties have focused on the “ABCDs of safety”—awareness, back safety, cutting tools, and danger zones. In the past year, HEI has spent money to make safety improvements in each area; for example, in “cutting tools,” HEI spent part of the $500,000 investment in safety tools on items such as cut resistant gloves and anti-slip cutting board mats. Use of the industry-leading “bed wedge”—a device that helps lift mattresses when changing linens—helped reduce incidents of back injury among housekeeping staff.
Properties are also participating in safety games to keep safety top of mind for HEI employees—from pumpkin carving contests with safety themes to a super safety bingo (with a car giveaway). Chefs and heads of housekeeping are also incentivized to reduce accidents in their areas with the chance to win prizes and recognition. General managers share safety best practices with the team in monthly calls.
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