As a hotel owner, you likely recognize that your employees could face on-the-job hazards if you are not careful. So, you dutifully make sure your workplaces are safe and clean, for the benefit of workers and patrons alike. Still, this safety could be called into question if you are facing an inspection by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
OSHA regulations and hotel safety
OSHA is the federal agency that regulates workplace safety. This includes the safety of hotels. If an announced or unannounced OSHA inspection uncovers workplace hazards, your business could be subject to fines.
It is important to note that OSHA does not have regulations directly mentioning the hotel industry. However, OSHA does have regulations covering the “general industry” that includes hotels under its umbrella.
Some examples of these regulations include:
- Ensuring floors and passageways are safe to walk on
- Ensuring work surfaces are safe
- Ensuring floors are free of debris and other obstacles
- Ensuring the premises are clean and dry
- Ensuring that workers are educated on workplace safety
If your hotel is of a certain size, it may qualify for an OSHA consultation program at no cost. This program can help you identify and rectify workplace hazards.
OSHA record-keeping requirements
OSHA also requires certain records to be kept and requires timely reporting of injuries. For example, if a hotel employee is injured on the job, the incident must be recorded within six days of its occurrence in what is referred to as an “OSHA 300 Log.” This log is not directly sent to OSHA, but it should be retained for at least five years should an OSHA inspector want to see it.
Those in the hotel industry must comply with OSHA requirements. These requirements are meant to keep workers safe, which is a goal most employers have as well. If your hotel was inspected by OSHA and you have questions about it, it can help to discuss your concerns with a professional so you can ensure you respond to the inspection appropriately.