Employers in the hospitality sector should soon get assistance in assessing the safety and health conditions at their hotels and restaurants, in an effort to reduce the likelihood of accidents occurring at these facilities.
According to Acting Senior Safety and Health Officer in the Labour Department, Alison Elcock, the Occupational Safety and Health Section will conduct an inspection blitz in the hospitality sector between today September 1 and October 31.
“This sector was selected as it continues to rank very highly with respect to the number of accidents reported to our office, many of which occur in kitchens and restaurants,” she said.
According to her, the inspections at hotels and restaurants along the south and west coasts will focus on several areas including kitchens, laundries and maintenance areas.
“Attention will also be given to chemical storage, emergency procedures, accident recording and notification, the existence of safety committees and HIV/AIDS policies,” she said.
Safety and health officers will also make unannounced visits to the establishments, but will request that a management representative, and if possible, an employee representative, participate in the walk-through inspection.
Elcock stressed, however, that “if no representative is available”, the officer “will still conduct the inspection and communicate the findings to the employer”. (BGIS)
