Effects of a work injury prevention program for housekeeping in the hotel industry

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Landers, Merrill | Maguire, Lynn

Affiliations: Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89154-39029, USA. E-mail: merrill.landers@ccmail.nevada.edu | Mountain View Hospital, Las Vegas, NV, USA

Note: [] Corresponding author

Abstract: Objective: The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the effectiveness of a work injury prevention program in the housekeeping department of a hotel. Studies have validated the use of different injury prevention strategies to decrease the incidence of work-related injuries. Few studies, however, have reported the efficacy of an on-site work injury prevention program by a physical therapist. Study design: In 1995, implementation of a work injury prevention program by a physical therapist to 50 housekeeping supervisors, 60 house persons and 340 guest room attendants at a large hotel began. This program included a detailed work risk analysis of the work environment, development of job descriptions, identification of injury-related problematic work situations, and implementation of a job specific supervisor-training program. Supervisor, house person and guest room attendant training was also conducted at the end of 1995 and the beginning of 1997. Results: Data of injury reports in 1995, 1996, and 1997 were analyzed to determine the results of the program. There was a reduction in total injury claims, total medical expenses, total lost work time and total restricted duty time. Conclusion: These results demonstrate the cost effectiveness of implementing a work injury prevention program for housekeeping guest room attendants in the hotel industry.

Journal: Work, vol. 22, no. 3, pp. 239-246, 2004