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People-first safety tips to reduce injuries and hazards while protecting hotel and motel employees and guests.
Published on March 26, 2026
2-minute read
Keeping guests safe and comfortable is at the heart of every successful hotel or motel operation. The same should be true for the people who keep these spaces running every day. By taking a proactive, people first approach to safety, organizations can reduce risk, support employee wellbeing and create work environments where teams feel confident and protected.
Below are practical steps to help prevent common injuries and exposures found in hospitality settings.
Preventing musculoskeletal injuries
Cleaning, lifting, and repetitive movements can take a toll on employees. Providing the right tools and support makes a meaningful difference.
- Use carts and dollies to safely transport supplies and avoid overloading them.
- Choose spring style laundry carts to reduce deep bending and reaching.
- Require team members to work in pairs when flipping or repositioning mattresses.
- Build rotation into shift planning when possible, and ensure employees have regular breaks to rest and reset.
These small changes can help prevent strains and sprains while reinforcing that employee wellbeing comes first.
Maintaining safe floors and walkways
Clear, dry, and well-maintained walkways help prevent slips, trips, and falls—one of the most common sources of injury.
- Clean spills immediately and keep wet floor signage in place until surfaces fully dry.
- Keep hallways and common areas free of cords, luggage, and other obstructions.
- Repair damaged flooring quickly and ensure mats lie flat and remain secure.
Simple housekeeping habits can go a long way in supporting a safer workplace.
Using PPE and preventing bloodline exposures
Personal protective equipment (PPE) protects teams from cuts, burns, chemical exposures, and unexpected hazards left behind by guests.
- Provide appropriate PPE for each role, including oven mitts and cut resistant gloves in kitchen areas.
- Train employees on the safe use of tools, equipment, and cleaning agents.
- Educate housekeeping staff on bloodborne pathogen risks and safe trash handling practices.
- Encourage the use of gloves when handling cleaning chemicals or waste.
Strengthening fire prevention and life safety
A strong fire safety plan protects both employees and guests.
- Keep dryer vents clean and ensure kitchen hoods and filters are regularly inspected.
- Store flammable materials away from heat sources.
- Maintain clear, unlocked, and marked exit routes.
- Develop and regularly review an emergency evacuation plan.
These proactive steps help reduce fire hazards and prepare teams to respond quickly and calmly.
Communicating chemical hazards clearly
Safe chemical handling requires clear labeling, proper storage, and easy access to information.
- Store cleaning agents and pool chemicals in designated areas away from food, bedding, and guest spaces.
- Ensure Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are readily available.
- Train employees on safe mixing, required PPE, and how to respond to chemical spills.
When teams have the right information, they can work safely and confidently.
Reducing risks of workplace violence
Hospitality workers often interact with the public in unpredictable situations. Awareness, preparation, and environmental safeguards can help reduce risk.
- Train teams to recognize and report early warning signs of violence.
- Provide clear reporting channels and reinforce their importance.
- Improve safety conditions for employees working alone or overnight—such as adequate lighting, secure locks, and access to panic buttons.
Looking out for one another is an essential part of creating a safe, supportive workplace.
This list is not exhaustive, but it offers a strong foundation for building safer hotel and motel operations. For additional support or guidance, the Markel Risk Solutions team is here to help at risksolutions@markel.com.