Way back in December 2009, I wrote a column focused on worker safety. Around that time, the Las Vegas Sun reported that during the construction of Las Vegas’ CityCenter, six construction workers were killed. The Las Vegas Sun also reported that for one 18-month stretch, 20 construction workers lost their lives along The Strip. That was quite a price to pay for glitzy new hotels.
This past week, HospitalityLawyer.com cited a recent article by law firm Fisher Phillips that reported on the total number of workplace fatalities in the U.S. hospitality industry in 2023. According to Fisher Phillips, there were 176 workplace fatalities that year. Eighty-four were due to violent acts, 51 occurred due to exposure to harmful substances and environments, 18 happened because of falls, slips and trips, 17 were transportation related, and three happened because of explosions or fire.
It is hard to believe that every four to five days, we lose someone to workplace violence. That should be unacceptable to us all.
Ten Steps You Can Take to Minimize, Eliminate Workplace Violence
In the article published by Fisher Phillips, the company offers a comprehensive list of potential solutions for workplace violence in the hospitality industry. Here is that list:
1. Establish a Zero-Tolerance Workplace Violence Policy. Clearly communicate (in writing) and enforce a policy that prohibits any form of violence or threats. Train managers to recognize and address violations immediately.
2. Implement Security Measures for High-Risk Workers. Equip front desk areas, cash handling locations, and entry points with surveillance cameras, panic buttons, and barriers to protect front-line employees in high-risk areas. Also consider panic buttons for housekeepers, room attendants, in-room dining servers, and others who need to enter guestrooms.
3. Train Employees on Violence Prevention and De-Escalation. Provide training on recognizing warning signs, de-escalating conflicts, and safely exiting dangerous situations. Ensure employees know when and how to seek help.
4. Control Access to Premises. Use keycards, guest logs, and secure entrances to limit unauthorized access to employee-only and sensitive areas. Restrict after-hours entry to prevent intrusions.
5. Ensure Adequate Lighting in All Areas. Illuminate parking lots, hallways, kitchens, and back exits to deter criminal activity and make employees feel safer, particularly during night shifts.
6. Develop a Workplace Violence Prevention Program. Create a detailed plan that addresses potential scenarios, response protocols, and recovery support for affected employees. Make this a part of regular safety reviews.
7. Secure Financial Transactions. Limit cash handling by encouraging credit or digital payments, and train employees never to resist during a robbery. Install safes and use automated cash management systems.
8. Hire or Partner with Security Professionals. Employ trained security staff or collaborate with local security firms to monitor entrances, patrol premises, and respond to threats, especially during peak hours or events.
9. Foster a Culture of Open Communication. Encourage employees to report suspicious behavior, escalating tensions, or security concerns without fear of retaliation. Act on reports swiftly and transparently.
10. Collaborate with Local Law Enforcement. Work with local police to conduct risk assessments, hold safety workshops, and ensure rapid response protocols. Consider hosting on-site law enforcement training sessions.
OSHA also provides specific resources related to workplace violence prevention.
What About Green Cleaning?
Fatalities not due to violence are certainly preventable. For example, why, at a time when we know so much about green cleaning products and methods, are we still losing more than 50 workers a year due to exposure to harmful substances and environments? Did any of those happen on your watch?
According to Summit, from 2017 to 2022, the most common injuries reported in hotel and motel workers’ comp claims were strain to the lower back, cut, puncture, scrape or rub to the finger and same level slip, trip or fall with multiple body parts involved. With frequent safety training sessions and a workplace safety plan in place, most of these injuries can be prevented.
Certainly, there are many practical steps you can take to minimize your exposure to legal risks, and to create an environment that is safe to work in. Too many in our industry are dying or getting injured each year.
What type of program do you have in place to build best safety practices? I would love to learn about it. I can be reached at greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.
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