Hotel Health and Safety Policy & Regulations

As the owner of a hotel, you must comply with Health and Safety law, this is enforced by the Health and Safety Executive, you have responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 for your employees and guests making sure that they are safe from ill health or injury.

Consequences of health and safety breaches range from fines and costly compensation claims and can lead to the closure of your business, or even imprisonment for the owner as they are deemed as the responsible person.

Hotel Health and Safety Policy and Training

All hotels must implement a comprehensive written Health and Safety Policy if you employ more than 5 staff, the policy must state your arrangements and how Health and Safety will work effectively.

It is essential that all new employees are given induction training and follow this training to enhance their knowledge further.

Even if it isn’t a requirement of your insurance policy, it’s essential that all hotels follow safe working practices.

Hotel Risk Assessments

This should start with a ‘Suitable and Sufficient‘ risk assessments of all areas that could pose a hazard that could lead to injury or ill health to staff or guests.

Factors to consider will vary slightly between different hotels, but common hazards include:

  • Slip and trip hazards, such as slippery floors or exposed cables
  • Fire safety, including equipment and escape routes
  • Cleaning policies, including safe use of cleaning chemicals
  • Food safety, ensuring safe sourcing, preparation and cooking of food
  • Gas and electrical safety in all areas of the hotel
  • Safe drinking water and facilities for all hotel users

Anyrisk assessments must not be generic and must be reviewed at regular intervals.

Hotel Health and Safety Inspections and Audits

Regular inspections and audits should take place by a competent person with the policy document updated wherever necessary.

The audit should be undertaken with the full cooperation of the staff, since they are the persons that are aware of the day to day hazards that are present and how to control these.

It is advisable that a trained competent Health and Safety Professional is appointed to identify any Health and Safety matters have never been identified or addressed.

The audit should examine all parts of the existing policy, as well as identifying any areas not currently covered, with new or updated policies agreed as needed. After an audit the perfect time to arrange staff training, to bring everyone up to date on the latest version of the policy.

Hotel Health and Safety Regulations

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) requires that Health and Safety Regulations are complied with. The law states that you must appoint a competent person to manage and monitor all Health and Safety. This can either be either a qualified experienced employee or an OSHCR Registered Health and Safety Consultant.

Regulations that cover the management’s duty of care to all guests and staff in the hotel, including:

  • The Health and Safety At Work Act 1974
  • Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
  • Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
  • Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)
  • Electricity at Work Regulation 1989
  • Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR)

If you decide to appoint health and safety experts to undertake your risk assessments and audits, they can advise on your legal obligations which apply. and how to maintain compliance.