According to the latest Labour Force Survey, the rate of non-fatal workplace injuries in the hospitality sector was 2,818 per 100,000 workers in 2023-24, significantly higher than the average rate of 1,668. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for businesses to address workplace hazards in hospitality and implement measures to protect their employees.
A study by Hilliard and Baloglu (2008) revealed guests pay more for accommodations with robust safety and security measures. This highlights that maintaining a high level of safety and hazard-mitigating features is not only crucial for staff safety but also for enhancing guest satisfaction and the bottom line.
In this article, we will explore the 8 most common hotel hazards, the regulatory standards that provide guidelines to mitigate them, and best practices to prevent these hazards from occurring in the first place. Additionally, we will discuss how safety audit software can help you address hospitality hazards proactively and ensure a safer environment for both guests and staff.
Factors Contributing to Hotel Hazards
The following factors often result in common workplace hazards in hotels:
- Lack of Maintenance: These constitute poor facility upkeep and inadequate maintenance of electrical, HVAC, fire safety, and plumbing systems, which can lead to accidents.
- Disruptive Guest Behavior: In a research survey titled “Customer Abuse and Harassment in the Hospitality Industry,” 85% of the participants claimed to have experienced or witnessed some form of customer abuse or harassment, often regarded as an “endemic phenomenon” in the hotel industry.
- Human Error: Staff who lack proper training can make mistakes that can lead to accidents. Furthermore, overworked and fatigued staff are more prone to cause errors that may result in injuries and unsafe conditions.
8 Most Common Risks and Hazards in Hotels and the Hospitality Industry
Ideally, hotels are expected to provide a safe, comfortable, and pleasant haven to their guests and customers. However, several risks and hazards in the hospitality industry linger behind the scenes that can compromise the safety of the guests and staff as well as the reputation of the hotel.

1. Physical Hazards in the Hospitality Industry
In the hospitality industry, the most prevalent physical hazards are typically caused due to:
- Slip, Trip, and Fall: Wet or greasy floors, cluttered walkways, food spills, and uneven flooring are the most common reasons for slip, trip, and fall in hospitality. Maintaining dry and clutter-free walkways, using non-slip mats, and providing clear signage for wet areas can significantly reduce these incidents.
- Ergonomics Risks: Caused due to prolonged standing, improper seating, or repetitive movements, reception staff, and admin staff are more prone to injuries caused by poor ergonomics. Ergonomic furniture, regular breaks, and training staff on proper posture and ergonomic practices can help mitigate these risks.
- Manual Handling Injuries: Housekeeping and maintenance staff who frequently move around heavy items like furniture, luggage, and supplies are most likely to experience musculoskeletal disorders such as back pain and muscle strain. Mechanical aids for heavy lifting, training staff in proper lifting techniques, and ensuring adequate storage and organization of heavy items can help minimize manual handling risks.
- Burns and Scalds: It is the most common injury in hotel kitchens, where hot plates, stoves, boiling liquids, and open flames are handled frequently. Using heat-resistant gloves, implementing safety protocols for handling hot items, and providing first aid training and kits can help reduce burns and scalds.
2. Fire Hazards
Fire hazards are a serious threat in hospitality due to factors like electrical systems, kitchen operations, and flammable materials. Faulty wirings, unsupervised boiling pots, overheated appliances, and guest negligence can spark fires that can lead to serious damage to lives and the facility.
Regular fire safety inspections, fire drills, training staff in evacuation techniques, and installation of functional fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment can help reduce fire hazards in hotels.
👉 Hotel Fire Safety Checklist: Customize this template with our 14-day FREE trial to ensure a safe environment for your employees, guests, and visitors.
3. Security Breaches
Examples of security breaches in hotels include instances such as
- Theft of guest valuables due to poor room locking mechanisms.
- Unattended luggage stolen in the lobby due to insufficient security staff.
- Employee theft from the cash handling department due to inadequate background checks.
Regular inspections of surveillance systems and access controls, and staff training in hotel security measures can help reduce the risks of thefts and other security breaches.
4. Foodborne Diseases
Foodborne illnesses in hotels are often caused due to improper food handling and poor hygiene standards. Contaminated ingredients sourced from unsafe sources, inadequate cooking conditions, poor personal hygiene of food handlers, and cross-contamination can lead to outbreaks of diseases, jeopardizing the safety of guests and staff.
Regular food safety audits, sourcing ingredients from vendors that comply with recognized food safety standards such as GMP, HACCP, ISO 22000, and BRC, and training staff in proper food handling techniques can prevent such hotel hazards and risks in the hospitality industry.
👉 Useful Resource: Free Food Safety Standard Checklists
Here are free food safety standard and certification checklists to help you get started:
→ ISO 22000 Food Safety Checklist (FSMS)
→ FSSC 22000 Version 5 Audit Checklist
→ Food Safety Self-Inspection Checklist
→ Food and Beverage Audit Checklist
→ Food Safety & Hygiene Checklist
→ HACCP Food Safety Checklist
→ Hotel Kitchen SOP
» Food Safety & Quality Audit Checklists: Discover our library of free templates to elevate standards in food safety and address hygiene hazards in hospitality.
5. Pest Infestations
Pest infestations can pose significant health risks and damage the reputation of a hotel. Common pests include rodents, cockroaches, and bed bugs that spread diseases and cause allergic reactions.
Regular pest control measures, including inspections and professional pest control treatments, maintaining high standards of cleanliness, sealing entry points, and storing food properly can prevent infestations.
6. Electrical Hazards
Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, and improper use of electrical equipment lead to electrical hotel hazards. Conduct regular electrical inspections and maintenance to identify and address potential issues. Train your staff in using equipment safely and identifying signs of electrical problems.
7. Drowning Hazards
Drowning hazards are a significant concern, especially in hotels with swimming pools, hot tubs, or water features. Lack of proper supervision, inadequate safety equipment, and insufficient lifeguard training can contribute to drowning incidents.
Ensuring all water areas are properly supervised and installing safety equipment such as lifebuoys, pool nets, and non-slip surfaces around pools can enhance safety. Also, regular lifeguard training and emergency response drills can prepare staff to handle emergencies effectively.
👉 Pool Safety Audit Templates: Strengthen safety at hotel pools with our free pool safety and pool deck checklists.
8. Chemical Hazards in the Hospitality Industry
Chemical hazards in hotels often involve detergents, cleaning agents, and disinfectants. While crucial for maintaining hygiene, they can cause skin irritation, respiratory issues, and chemical burns if mishandled. To mitigate risks, hotels should:
- Ensure all staff are trained in the safe handling and storage of chemicals.
- Equip staff with gloves, masks, and other protective gear.
- Store chemicals in well-ventilated, secure areas.
- Label all chemical containers clearly and provide Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).
- Conduct routine checks of storage areas to identify and address potential chemical hotel hazards.
👉 Hotel Safety Checklist: Here’s a comprehensive hotel safety template to help you get started.
Regulatory Framework to Mitigate Health and Safety Hazards in Hotels
These frameworks provide comprehensive guidelines and standards that ensure the safety and well-being of both guests and staff.
OSHA Safety Guidelines for Hotels
OSHA is a federal agency that regulates workplace safety. It is important to note that although OSHA does not specifically have regulations for hotels, it covers hotels under OSHA’s General Industry Occupational Safety and Health and Record-Keeping standards.
Some of the examples of the safety measures included under the “general industry” standard include:
- Standard 29 CFR 1910.22: Floors must be kept clean and dry. Walkways should be free of obstructions. Non-slip mats and appropriate signage for wet areas are mandatory.
- Standard 29 CFR 1910.178: Use mechanical aids for heavy lifting. Train staff in proper lifting techniques and ensure proper storage and organization of heavy items.
- Standard 29 CFR 1910.39: Conduct regular fire safety inspections, and fire drills, and train staff in evacuation techniques. Ensure functional fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment are installed.
- Standard 29 CFR 1910.141: Conduct regular food safety audits. Implement and source ingredients from vendors that comply with recognized food safety standards. Train staff in proper food handling techniques.
- Standard 29 CFR 1910.151: Ensure proper supervision of water areas, especially during peak hours. Install safety equipment such as lifebuoys and non-slip surfaces around pools. Provide regular lifeguard training and emergency response drills.
👉 OSHA Hotel Safety Checklist: Use this template to ensure compliance with OSHA regulations for hospitality workplaces.
Health and Safety Guidelines for Hotel Housekeeping in the UK
In the UK, hotel housekeeping is regulated by the Health and Safety at Work Act, which requires employers to conduct risk assessments and implement measures to protect staff. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides guidance on the safe use of cleaning substances to prevent injury or ill health. Additionally, local authorities may offer specific advice, such as Brighton & Hove’s guidance on safety in hotels.
Best practices include using high-efficiency vacuum cleaners and microfiber cloths to reduce chemical use and improve cleaning efficiency. Housekeeping staff should also follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) for tasks like room cleaning and final checks to ensure consistency and guest satisfaction.
CCOHS for Hotel Housekeeping
Unlike OSHA, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) provides guidelines and standards only for hotel housekeeping to ensure that housekeeping tasks are performed safely and efficiently.
Some of the best practices recommended by CCOHS include using lighter vacuum cleaners and lighter service carts with wheels, implementing job rotations and job enlargement, and more.
👉 Case Study: How LaTour Hotels leverages audit software to maintain safety standards across 30+ locations.
Best Practices to Minimize Hazards in the Hospitality Industry
- Provide Health and Safety Training For Your Staff: Comprehensive training programs should cover topics such as proper lifting techniques, handling of cleaning chemicals, and emergency procedures. Regular refresher courses and updates on safety regulations will help maintain a high standard of safety awareness.
- Conduct Regular Safety Audits Using Checklists: A thorough routine safety audit process is a great preventive measure to identify and address potential hotel hazards before they lead to accidents. A comprehensive hotel audit checklist ensures all areas and aspects of the hotel operations are checked. Digital safety audit tools and inspection software can further streamline the process, improving efficiency and compliance with industry safety standards.
Mitigate Hotel Hazards and Safety Risks With GoAudits
GoAudits hotel audit software allows managers to streamline routine audits and inspections, streamline quality assurance, and comply with applicable regulatory standards.
With GoAudits hotel inspection software, you can:
- Schedule and perform regular safety audits.
- Notify teams about the identified hazards and risks.
- Make sure all safety issues are addressed promptly using smart workflows.
- Ensure compliance with hotel standards like LQA and Forbes.
- Create custom checklists based on department, hazard type, etc.
- Identify recurring safety issues and address them permanently.
With a rating of 4.8 stars on Capterra, GoAudits is trusted by some of the biggest brands like Hilton, Marriott, and Choice Hotels in the hospitality industry.
» GoAudits Reviews: Read how companies leverage GoAudits to meet standards and deliver consistent services across locations.