When you are traveling, whether for business or pleasure, there are a few hotel health dangers you should be aware of. Some of them are: Mold, Non-communicable diseases, and room traps. Here are some tips for avoiding them even for top destinations like luxury hotels in China.
Housekeeping
If you work in the hotel industry, you know how stressful it can be. Hotel housekeepers work long hours in stressful situations. In addition to their day-to-day tasks, they may be exposed to pathogens and body waste.
Housekeeping is the biggest group of workers in the hospitality industry. As a result, they are at risk for repetitive strain injuries and cumulative trauma injuries. It is important for them to be informed of the hazards in their workplaces and be trained in proper lifting techniques and safety precautions.
Hospitality establishments need to be more proactive in addressing their worker’s health. They should create action plans for identifying and resolving hazards. Then, they should train their housekeepers on the risks of musculoskeletal injuries and the methods to prevent them.
Many hotels implement heavier linens and mattresses, which put housekeepers at increased risk of injury. Some companies also change room layouts and use new amenities that increase the workload.
The most common type of injury is slip and fall accidents. To decrease the rate of such incidents, housekeepers should be equipped with non-slip footwear. Other prevention measures include ergonomically-designed furniture and equipment.
Room traps
Traps in the form of a bedbug infestation are no doubt an embarrassment to any company. One may have to consider the cost of remedial treatment. However, it isn’t like you’re going to see the stars and stripes for free. Considering that, you may as well make the best of it. Of course, that is if you’re lucky enough to find one. A bit of sleuthing will go a long way. This isn’t to say you should do anything rash. It’s a matter of common sense and the right equipment.
As for the actual smackdown, I’m still in the dark on the subject. However, if you’re looking for a romp around town, a jot of my time, and a pint of beer, I’m your man. Fortunately, I’m not the only one in the neighborhood. Hopefully, you can find a decent hotel without having to put the kibosh on your well-deserved nightcap.
Mold in bathrooms
Mold in bathrooms in hotels is a health concern for some people. It can cause sinus congestion and asthma attacks. Others may experience skin rashes, coughing, and other symptoms. If you have respiratory problems, you should visit your physician.
Molds can be found on walls, ceilings, carpets, and other surfaces. They thrive in wet conditions, such as a damp bathroom. The odor of mold is another sign of its presence. You may also notice stains on the ceiling or wall.
Exposure to mold can cause asthma attacks, skin irritation, and irritate the throat. It is important to clean up the mold and prevent further contamination. This should be done immediately. Use a spray cleaner to kill the mold and rinse the area. Wear gloves and protective clothing to protect yourself from mold.
When traveling, always check the hotel’s images and reviews. If you notice any odors or signs of mold, report them right away. Also, make sure you have a good ventilation system.
Non-communicable diseases
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a major public health problem worldwide. They are a group of conditions that are chronic, incurable and often attributed to lifestyle, genetics and environment. The World Health Organization estimates that NCDs are the leading cause of death worldwide.
Many NCDs are influenced by risk factors such as physical inactivity, air pollution and poor diet. In addition, some diseases can be passed from person to person through direct contact with infected food or surfaces. For example, Legionnaires’ disease is an illness that is transmitted through exposure to contaminated water. Guests should avoid using tap water for respiratory equipment and should limit their use of sinks and showers.
While many research studies have explored the relationship between occupational and dietary risk factors and NCDs, very little has been done on the hospitality industry. This study aims to assess the prevalence of these risk factors among hotel workers.
Hotel employees have high rates of tobacco and alcohol use, lack of physical activity and inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables. This may put them at risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.