Be Safe JobSpecific Safety Training Room Attendant 1

Be Safe! Job-Specific Safety Training Room Attendant 1

Job Specific Safety Training o The following presentation is a tool to assist supervisors in training their room attendant team on prevention of common injuries. o The primary focus is on Overexertion and Slip/Trip injury types as they account for the top two injury types of all claims. o The supervisor should supplement this training with any additional job-specific training as they see fit. 2

Be Safe! Preventing Overexertion In Housekeeping 3

Preventing Overexertion o Overexertion is the number one type of accident in the housekeeping department. o The room attendant job has risks that can lead to sprain and strain injuries. If we are aware of the risk factors, we may be able to change how we do our jobs and prevent injuries. 4

Techniques for Working Safely o Push rather than pull your housekeeping cart. o Ensure carts are properly maintained and the tires or wheels are in good working order. Report any faulty carts to your supervisor. o Wear slip-resistant shoes with enough cushioning to relieve stress on your knees and back. 5

Body Mechanics of Housekeeping To reduce your risk of injury, practice these tips: Postures: • Our bodies function best in comfortable (neutral) postures. • Awkward body postures increase the stress on ligaments and joints. This can lead to fatigue and discomfort, and increase the risk of injury. • Making beds and cleaning bathrooms is hard on your shoulders, back and knees. 6

Body Mechanics of Housekeeping To reduce your risk of injury, practice these tips: Making beds: • Bend your knees, not your back. • Kneel or squat and do one side of the bed at a time. • Reduce awkward shoulder postures when replacing duvet covers. • For example, use the “inside-out” method to slide the cover around the duvet, instead of stuffing the duvet into the cover. This method can also be used for changing pillow cases. Example of improved back posture 7

Body Mechanics of Housekeeping To reduce your risk of injury, practice these tips: Cleaning Bathrooms: • Use tools with long handles for hard-toreach areas. • Use a step stool to reduce the distance you reach when changing shower curtains. • Stand in the tub to scrub the walls and back of the tub. • Note: Do not balance on the edge of the tub. Example of awkward shoulder and wrist posture 8

How to Properly Lift a Heavy Item o Lift smoothly and slowly. o Get a good grip. Use your hands, not just your fingers to grip the load. o Get help from others if you need it. 9

When Lifting, DO NOT… o Bend from the waist. o Keep feet close apart. o Lift objects that are too heavy for you. o Twist while lifting. o Hold object away from your body. 10

When reaching overhead… DO: o Get a step stool for objects slightly out of reach. o Get close to object. o Maintain proper posture when reaching overhead. DON’T: o Stretch and strain to reach overhead objects. 11

Be Safe! Preventing Slips and Trips In Housekeeping 12

Preventing Slips and Trips o Slips and Trips are the second most common type of accident in the housekeeping department. o Most are preventable. o It takes YOU to “Be Safe” or to Be Sorry. o Take a look at how easy it is to “Be Safe”. 13

Top 5 Ways to Avoid Slipping or Tripping o Clean up spills immediately. o Never leave items in the middle of walkways. o When carrying items make sure you can see where you’re going. o Keep floors clean and dry. o Always wear slip-resistant shoes! 14

Prevent Slips – Slip Resistant Shoes o Always wear approved slip-resistant shoes! o Tennis shoes are not approved slip-resistant shoes. 15

Prevent Slips – Slip Resistant Shoes o Remember not all slip-resistant shoes are alike. Ask your manager for a list of recommended shoes. 16

Prevent Slips – Guest Bathrooms o Standing on the tub is slippery! A sure way to fall! 17

Prevent Slips – Guest Bathrooms o It is not safe to stand on the toilet, and it damages the toilet seat. 18

Prevent Slips – Guest Bathrooms o Clean high areas with an approved extension pole or ladder. 19

Prevent Slips – Guest Bathrooms o CAUTION: No mat in the shower and no slip resistant shoes…sure way to slip! 20

Prevent Slips – Guest Bathrooms o Use a bath mat to stand on in the tub or shower to avoid slipping. 21

Prevent Slips – Guest Bathrooms o Be Safe when reaching, your feet may slip from under you. And this is not good for your back. 22

Prevent Slips – Guest Bathrooms o Use a bath mat and kneel when cleaning the tub. 23

Prevent Slips – Clean Up Spills o A wet floor is dangerous. This needs action. 24

Prevent Slips – Clean Up Spills o Clean up spills immediately! 25

Prevent Trips – Know Your Path! o Don’t carry too much at once - you can’t see the hazard ahead. o Don’t leave items in the middle of the floor! 26

Prevent Trips – Keep Your Path Clear o She can see where she is going. No hazards in the path. 27

Avoid Trips – Bed Skirts o Don’t let the bed skirt trip you up. Make sure the bed skirt is not hanging too low. 28

Avoid Trips – Bed Skirt o The bed skirt cannot trip you or a guest when it hangs properly. 29

Avoid Trips – Linen and Bedding o Don’t throw dirty linens and comforters on the floor, they become a trip hazard. 30

Avoid Trips – Linen and Bedding o Place bedding on the chair so you will not trip over it when making the bed. 31

Avoid Trips – Electrical Cords o Can you see the cord? She is in danger of tripping. 32

Avoid Trips – Electrical Cords o Keep cords out of your pathway. 33

Top 5 Ways to Avoid Slipping or Tripping o Clean up spills immediately. o Never leave items in the middle of walkways. o When carrying items make sure you can see where you’re going. o Keep floors clean and dry. o Always wear slip-resistant shoes. 34

Questions o If you have any questions please see your manager or supervisor. 35