Health and safety protocols for hotel cleaners during Covid-19

The human workforce in India’s hospitality industry is nearly four million, and it is necessary to give attention to take care of health and safety for hotel cleaners. Hotel housekeepers are the largest group of workers in the hospitality industry and experience the highest health inequalities compared to other workers in the industry. Keep in mind that employees in the workplace face high psychological stress associated with low control and job insecurity. In this pandemic situation, the considerations and precautions should be stronger for ensuring safety. These risks are amplified because of the current conversation about using hotels as quarantine spaces for those exposed to COVID-19. Though this approach (of providing quarantine spaces) may be warranted, employers are behoved to consider the health and safety of their employees, particularly the housekeepers, during this pandemic.

Providing quarantine spaces is a smart business move for the hospitality industry, as it has endured a big financial hit during the pandemic. Quarantine packages will not only be helpful for individuals (e.g. health-care workers) but will also provide some economic relief for the hospitality industry.

Factors affecting health and safety in the workplace

• Ventilation
• Space, lighting and cleanliness of the work area
• Temperature and humidity
• Ergonomics / physical arrangement of work area & equipment

As the number of guests plummets, hotel housekeepers will experience a heightened sense of job insecurity as they may be told to not report to work due to a decrease in demands. Also, those exposed to COVID-19 may not have paid sick leave and run the risk of losing their jobs due to the need for self-quarantine or caring for a family member who is affected. Many hotel housekeepers lack health insurance. Thus, if affected by the virus, they will face challenges to access care and services. Those who continue to work may experience extra pressure and increased workload, as they need training and extra time to properly disinfect areas.