OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH

Guidelines for

THE HOTEL INDUSTRY

These guidelines are co-developed by the Ministry of Manpower, Singapore Association of

Occupational Therapists, Singapore Physiotherapy Association, Back Society of Singapore and
the Singapore Hotel Association.

Published: February 2003

Contents page
Content

Pages

Introduction . 1
Workplace Hazards and their Control . 2
Musculoskeletal injuries and disorders 2-3
Chemical hazard .. 4-5
Noise hazard 6
Thermal stress .. 7
Cuts 8-9
Burns and Scalds 9-10
Trips and falls 10-11
Struck against / by objects . 12
Electrocution . 13
Fire and Explosion 13-14

Safety and Health Management . 15

Safety Policy and Organisation . 15-16
Hazard Analysis 16-17
Safe Work Procedures 17-18
Safety Training . 18-19
Group Meetings 19
Accident, Incident and Disease Investigation and Analysis .. 19-20
In-house Safety Rules and Regulations 20
Safety Promotion 21
Evaluation, Selection and Control of Contractors 21
Safety Inspection . 21
Maintenance Programme 21-22
Occupational Health Programme 22
Emergency Preparedness 23
Documentation and Review ...................... 23

Resources . 24
Checklists .. 24-25
Useful References 26-27

Acknowledgements .. 28

Introduction
The hotel industry is an important industry closely linked to tourism, business travel and
conventions, which forms a significant part of the economy. The industry provides
employment for a large number of people, both direct employees as well as part-time and
contract staff. There are several main departments performing different functions within a
hotel eg housekeeping, front desk, food and beverage, kitchen, stewarding, laundry and
engineering maintenance.
In providing a high standard of service to customers, the pace of work can be fast and the
working hours long. Providing a safe and healthy working environment contributes to the wellbeing, morale and productivity of employees.

Hotels employ a variety of staff including room attendants, bellmen, front desk personnel,
chefs, waiters, laundry operators, banquet servers and engineering maintenance crew. They
can be exposed to a variety of health and safety hazards at work depending on the specific
tasks that they perform. Hotel staff may be exposed to the risk of musculoskeletal disorders
and injuries and to health hazards such as chemicals, noise and thermal stress. There is also
the risk of accidents from slips, trips, knocks and falls, cuts, burns and scalds, electrocution
and fire and explosion.
Occupational accidents and diseases can result in suffering, sickness absenteeism,
productivity loss, disability or even death. All these can be prevented.
The purpose of the guidelines is to provide information and guidance on the:

identification of work hazards and their prevention and

establishment of safety and health programmes

The common workplace hazards and their preventive measures, the principles and elements
of safety and health management, check lists and relevant references are given in these
guidelines.
Employers can work together with employees to establish a safe and healthy working
environment in the hotel.

Workplace Hazards and their Control

Work-related injuries and diseases occur as a result of unsafe
acts and conditions. Unsafe acts occur when employees are
unaware of the hazards and the proper work practices.
Examples include not adopting the proper lifting methods or
not using gloves when handling chemicals.
Unsafe conditions may arise out of ignorance or lack of
diligence in ensuring a safe and healthy working environment.
Examples include the lack of safety guards on machinery or
the presence of a slippery floor.
Incorrect lifting method

Work-related accidents and diseases can be prevented by first identifying the hazard and
then taking the appropriate preventive measures. The common workplace hazards in hotels
and the preventive measures that could be taken are described in this section.

Musculoskeletal Injuries And Disorders

Many jobs have risks that can lead to sprains and strains to the back and other parts of the
body.
Workplace factors associated with musculoskeletal injuries and disorders include:

Awkward postures
Our

bodies

function

best

in

natural

postures.

Prolonged awkward body postures increase stress on

the muscles and ligaments, leading to fatigue,
discomfort and increased risk of injury.
Examples of awkward postures include bending the
back during bed making or working with the arms
above shoulder height during cleaning and stretching
to reach across the table to get an item.

Manual handling

Heavy or frequent lifting, pushing, pulling or carrying puts a

strain on the back and also the upper limbs. Back injuries
and other musculoskeletal sprains and strains may occur
among bellmen, housekeepers, laundry and kitchen staff
involved in manual handling activities.

Prolonged standing
Prolonged standing for many hours can contribute to
lower limb aches and pain. Most of the jobs in the hotel
involve standing work for many hours.

Repetitive movements

Repetitive use of the hands and upper limb may result in

pain in the wrist, elbow and shoulder. Persons at risk
include room attendants, laundry operators and kitchen
staff.

Musculoskeletal injuries could result from the sudden damage from a single episode such as
lifting a very heavy load or slipping and falling. However, more often it is the result of gradual
wear and tear from repetitive and prolonged manual activity. Recovery from some of these
injuries may take time and further injury may occur, making the problem worse. Therefore it is
important to identify the risk factors and take preventive actions to minimise the risk. Most of
the problems can be prevented through the application of good ergonomic principles in work
design and work practices, which need not be complicated or costly.
The specific risk factors and preventive measures are given in these guidelines in the form of
fact sheets on good ergonomic work practices by occupation:

Bellmen
Front desk staff
Room attendants
Waiters
Kitchen staff
Laundry operators

 Chemical Hazard
In hotels, chemicals are used mainly for cleaning.

Persons at risk include housekeepers,

stewards, laundry workers and engineering or maintenance personnel.

Some chemicals are hazardous and may be corrosive,
irritating, toxic, flammable or carcinogenic. Direct skin
contact with some chemicals may cause burns or skin
rashes from irritation or allergy. Chemical spills and splashes
may damage the eyes. Volatile chemicals such as solvents
can be inhaled. High concentrations of vapour or gas can
accumulate particularly in poorly ventilated and confined
areas. It is therefore important that employees who work with
chemicals are aware of the hazards and adopt safe work
practices to avoid chemical exposure.

Wearing gloves helps prevent skin

rashes from contact with chemicals

Safe work practices for hazardous

chemicals

Use less harmful substances

Provide proper ventilation through open

windows or mechanical air vents

Wear
suitable
equipment

Do not allow unauthorised access to

stored chemicals

Inspect chemical stores regularly to check

for deterioration or leakage

Ensure that every chemical has a Material

Safety Data Sheet

Dry cleaning solvent management

guidelines

Ensure that all chemical containers are

properly labelled

Guidelines on Prevention and

Control of Chemical Hazards

Arrange for annual medical examinations

for staff exposed to perchloroethylene
(used in dry cleaning)

Guidelines on Risk Assessment for

Occupational Exposure to Harmful
Chemicals

personal

protective

Chemicals used by room attendants

Useful Guidelines for

Controlling Chemical Hazards

Chemical
group
Solvents

Example of
hazardous
chemicals
Perchloroethylene

Relevant
Departments

Trichloroethylene

Laundry,
Engineering
Housekeeping
Engineering

Xylene, toluene

Laundry

Acids

Hydrochloric acid,
hydrofluoric acid,
sulphuric acid

Alkalis

Sodium hydroxide

Ammonia

Ammonia

Chlorine
Welding fumes

Chlorine
Sodium hypochlorite
Metal fumes, gases

Laundry,
Stewarding
Housekeeping,
Engineering
Laundry,
Stewarding
Housekeeping,
Engineering
Laundry,
Stewarding
Housekeeping,
Engineering
Swimming pool
Laundry
Engineering

LPG gas

LPG

Kitchen

Product /
Function

Health effects

Dry cleaning
agent
Stain removers

Liver damage,
narcosis, dermatitis
Liver damage,
narcosis, dermatitis

Paints, lacquer,
glue
Cleaning
agents, stain
and rust
removers
Detergents,
cleaning agents

Narcosis, dermatitis

Cleaning
agents, silver
polish

Eye and respiratory

tract irritation,
dermatitis

Disinfectant
Bleach
welding

Eye and respiratory

tract irritation
Eye and respiratory
tract irritation

Fuel gas for the

stove and oven

Chemical burns,
dermatitis
Chemical burns,
dermatitis

Fire and explosion

Some examples of chemicals used in the hotel and their effects

Dry cleaning machines must be maintained to prevent

leakage of perchloroethylene

Chemical containers should be properly labelled

 Noise Hazard
Although

the

hotel

environment

is

generally quiet, there are certain areas

where staff may be exposed to a noise
hazard eg. boiler rooms, engineering
workshops and discotheques. Long term
exposure to excessive noise may lead to
hearing loss.
To prevent hearing loss, a person should

Sound Pressure Level

dB(A)
85
88
91
94
97
100
103
106
109
111

Maximum duration
per day
8 hours
4 hours
2 hours
1 hour
30 minutes
15 minutes
7.5 minutes
4 minutes
2 minutes
1 minute

not be exposed to noise levels exceeding

85dBA for 8 hours a day or its equivalent.
Where the permissible exposure level is

Permissible exposure levels showing the corresponding

length of time allowed for the various noise levels.

exceeded, measures should be taken to

reduce the noise exposure.

Some noise control solutions

Replace noisy machinery

Locate noise sources away from

hard walls or corners

Isolate or enclose noise sources

Construct suitable noise enclosures

Use suitable hearing protection

or barriers

Line interior surfaces with sound

absorbing materials

Maintain machinery and equipment

at regular intervals

Wear ear plugs or ear muffs

Turn down the volume of amplifiers

Useful Guidelines for

Controlling Noise Hazard

Guidelines on Industrial Noise

and Vibration Control

Hearing Conservation
Programme Guidelines

A Guide for Noise Control in

the Music Entertainment
Industry

 Thermal Stress
Staff working in the kitchen, laundry and boiler rooms may be subjected to heat stress from
the machinery or equipment used in these areas. This can lead to headaches, fatigue and
discomfort.

Preventing heat stress

Improve the ventilation through a

carefully planned and laid out exhaust
and air conditioning system

Implement and follow an appropriate

work-rest schedule

Avoid thick clothing

Drink plenty of water to replenish

water lost through dehydration

Laundry operators are exposed to

heat from hot presses

Chefs may be exposed to a hot environment

Staff can also be exposed to cold temperatures while retrieving or storing items in cold
storage rooms. They should wear warm clothing while working in such cold environments.

 Cuts
Cuts may occur from the use of knives and machinery in kitchens, laundries and engineering
workshops. Cuts

may

also

arise

from

handling

broken glass or porcelain by room

attendants, waiters or chefs.

Machinery used in the kitchens and laundries like mincers, food mixers, meat slices and
ironing machines should be properly guarded. Where this is not feasible, sensors or two-hand
controls can be used. A guard that is provided but not put in position would not serve its
intended purpose. Regular maintenance would also reduce accidents that result from faulty
machinery. Staff should be encouraged to maintain good housekeeping at the workplace.

Use Machinery with Care

Refrain from wearing loose or frayed clothing or

jewellery that could get caught

Do not remove any safety interlocks and safety

guards from machinery

Do not try to reach into any moving parts of the

machinery with your fingers

Example of machine guarding in the

laundry

Do not clean blades unless the power

has been shut down

Follow

the

operating

instructions

as

recommended by the manufacturer or supplier

Ensure that safety guards are in place before

operating any machinery

Use a pusher or tool to avoid contact with moving

parts of machinery

Switch off or unplug the

machine

before

removing the safety guards for retrieval or

cleaning

Example of machine guarding in

the kitchen

Use knives with care

Use the right knife for the job

Use a flat surface or cutting board

Make sure the knife is sharp

Store knives securely in proper racks in a

visible place

Cut away from your body when cutting,

trimming or de-boning

Curl the finger of the other hand over the

object to be cut

Wear protective equipment such as mesh

gloves if necessary

Wash and clean sharp tools separately from

other utensils

Use knives properly to avoid cuts

Burns And Scalds

The use of ovens and deep fryers without due care can cause severe burns and scalds. Staff
should be educated on the possible hazards and the preventive measures that could be taken
while handling such appliances or hot liquids.

Label hot liquids

Do not handle hot items with your

bare hands

Handle Hot Items with Care

Example of proper placement of deep

frying appliances when not in use.

Organize your work area to prevent contact

with flames and hot objects

Use the correct gloves for handling hot

objects

Ensure safe levels of hot liquid like oil or

boiling water

Do not use a wet cloth to lift lids from hot pots

Ensure that the handles of pots and pans do

not stick out from the counter or stove

Make use of safety devices like thermostats

and interlocking switches in ovens

Do not overfill pots and pans

Do not open cookers and steam ovens that

are under pressure

Open hot water and hot liquid faucets slowly

to avoid splashes

Trips And Falls

Many workplace injuries also result from workers tripping over physical obstructions or falling
from height. This could be due to insufficient lighting, poor housekeeping, wet and slippery
floors, a lack of guardrails or handrails on platforms or staircases, unsafe use of ladders or
carelessness.

Wet floor can cause slips and falls

Example of a raised working platform with safety guardrails

10

Preventing Trips and Falls

Report poor lighting

Keep floors and stairs dry and clean

Ensure carpets and rugs are free of holes and loose edges

Hang power cords over aisles or work areas to prevent tripping accidents

Make use of anti-slip flooring or non-slip working shoes

Ensure elevated platforms are guarded against the fall of persons. Where physical
guards are not feasible, provide alternatives like safety harnesses

Do not leave materials and boxes lying haphazardly around

Safe use of ladders

Use ladders safely

Inspect the ladder before and after each

use

Do not use defective ladders eg broken or

missing rungs: loose hinges, or missing
screws or bolts

Set ladders on a flat firm surface, using

slip-resistant feet or secure blocking or
have someone to hold the ladder

Face the ladder when standing on it and

when climbing up or down

Keep the centre of your body within the

side rails

Set up barricades and warning signs when

using a ladder in a doorway or
passageway

Do not stand on the top two rungs of the

ladder

11

 Struck Against/ By Objects

Injuries can occur when persons are hit by hard, heavy or sharp objects. When materials are
not properly stacked they may collapse, causing injuries to persons nearby. Narrow and
cluttered passageways can contribute to the risk of such accidents. When trolleys and carts
are not handled with care, accidents may also arise.

Low overhead pipes and structures pose a risk

Hotel personnel who have to work in areas where there is frequent use of machinery or hot
substances should be provided with the necessary personal protective equipment.

Protect Your Hands and Feet

Ensure goods and materials are stacked

in a safe manner

Make use of the correct personal

protective equipment

Do not rush through swing doors,

especially with trolleys

Wear safety boots to protect your feet

12

 Electrocution
Electrocution occurs when the human body becomes
part of an electric circuit through which current
passes. Electrical equipment and appliances should
be regularly inspected by a qualified electrician to
ensure that they remain in good working condition
and will not pose a danger to unsuspecting staff.
Extreme care should be taken in workplaces where
workers come into contact with fluids that may be
good conductors of electricity. Examples include
kitchens, laundries, and hotel rooms where electrical
appliances may be used for cleaning work.

Haphazard electrical connections could lead to

overloading and electrocution.

Handle Electrical Appliances with Care

Report any damaged plugs, wires, electrical equipment

Keep power cords away from heat, water and oil

Do not clean electrical equipment with flammable or toxic solvents

Do not overload electrical points

Pull the electrical plug, not the cord

Provide a system for inspection and maintenance of electrical appliances

Establish a set of lockout-tagout procedures for the repair and maintenance of electrical
equipment

Fire And Explosion

There is a risk of fire and explosion in workplaces which use flammable substances (LPG and
Town gas) or high-pressure applications eg. kitchens, laundries and boiler rooms. Improper
usage or faulty electrical installations could also result in fires.
Some hotels use pressure vessels like steam boilers for the purpose of supplying their laundries
and guests with steam and hot water. These steam boilers are usually located in specially

13

designated boiler rooms. Air receivers are also used in the tool rooms and workshops. These
pressure vessels shall be regularly inspected as required by law. Regular maintenance and
checks should also be carried out by the boiler attendants. Staff, especially those working in the
kitchens, should be taught on how to detect gas leakage with the use of pilot lights or indicators.

Safe Use of Pressure Vessels

Ensure steam boilers are inspected at least once every 12

months by an Authorized Boiler Inspector.

Ensure air or steam receivers are inspected at least once

every 24 months by an Authorized Boiler Inspector.

Ensure that the boiler attendants are properly trained and

certified.

Provide workers working in the boiler rooms with hearing

protectors.

Boilers must be inspected regularly

Employers are advised to plan and conduct regular fire drills to familiarize hotel personnel with
the evacuation and rescue procedures in times of emergency. Sufficient fire-fighting equipment
like fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems should be provided and maintained regularly. Fire
escapes and exits should also be properly marked and kept free from obstruction.

14

Safety and Health Management

Management of safety and health should be no different from the way other aspects of the
hotel business are managed. Employers are encouraged to develop and implement a
comprehensive safety and health programme to prevent workplace accidents and workrelated illnesses, and to establish a safe and healthy working environment.

Safety Policy and Organization

The managements commitment is important to ensure the success of the safety and health
programme. There should be a written policy which clearly states the managements
commitment and approach towards establishing a safe and healthy work environment. The
policy should state the organizations safety and health philosophy and structure, including
objectives and goals to be achieved. It should spell out the duties and responsibilities of both
management and staff. The written policy should be endorsed by the top management and
communicated to all levels of hotel staff, including contractors.

Management Commitment can be demonstrated by:

Implementing safety policies, programmes and training with top management support

Establishing appropriate safety performance goals throughout the organization

Involvement of management in safety and health activities

Giving recognition to safety in work performance reviews

Giving praise to employees who work safely and counselling those who do not

Responsibilities of Employer and Employee

The employer has a duty to ensure the safety and health of their staff and should take the
lead in promoting safety and health in the hotel.
Safety personnel should be appointed to advise management on all occupational health and
safety matters, and assist in the implementation of safety and health programmes.
Employees should understand that safety and health is not just the responsibility of the
employer, but they too have a role to play.

15

Responsibilities of the employees

Responsibilities of the employer

Follow

instructions

and

safe

work

procedures

Attend safety training

Use the safety devices and personal

and Health Programme

Report accidents, incidents, diseases

and any workplace hazards to the

schedules and safe work procedures are

followed

Suggest ways to improve the safety

Provide

proper

equipment

including

personal protective appliances

supervisor or employer

Inform all staff of the workplace hazards

and ensure that safety rules, training

protective equipment provided

Develop and implement an effective Safety

Provide welfare facilities like rest areas

and first aid boxes

and health of the work

Document

the

Safety

and

Health

Programme and keep records of all

reported accidents, incidents and diseases

Hazard Analysis

It is a good practice to establish systematic procedures for the identification, evaluation and
control of both existing and potential hazards in the workplace.
Employers should identify workplace hazards by reviewing both routine and non-routine
activities carried out by workers and contractors, and the equipment used. These hazards can
be evaluated by considering the probable incidents that can occur. Measures can be
developed to control the hazards. Before implementation, it is advisable to test the feasibility
of the recommended measures. Documentation of the hazard evaluation process is
important.
The steps in a hazard analysis exercise are summarise in the flowchart below:

16

Basic Steps to Hazard Analysis

Select activities
and
equipment
for analysis

Identify the hazards

involved

Evaluate the hazards and

risk involved

Implement measures to
control the hazards

Evaluate effectiveness of
control measures and
record findings

Hazard analysis should be carried out periodically or whenever there is a change in process
or equipment used. Hazard analysis is also useful in the development of safe work
procedures.

Safe Work Procedures

Employers are encouraged to establish safe work procedures for the various types of work
carried out in the hotel. Wherever possible, these procedures should be incorporated into the
standard operating procedures for staff to follow. Safe work procedures should be effectively
communicated to all staff.

17

Employers should establish a system to ensure that existing safe work procedures are
reviewed whenever new equipment or processes are introduced or there are changes to the
operating procedures.
There are legal requirements for safe work procedures for certain work (see table). No work
shall commence unless the safe work procedures have been established and implemented.

WORK REQUIRING SAFE WORK PROCEDURES

1.

Work on any machinery where the fencing has been removed for the purposes of any
examination, lubrication or other operation

2.

Work at a place where a person is liable to fall a distance of more than 3 metres or into any
substance that is likely to cause drowning, poisoning, chemical burns or asphyxiation

3.

Work in any confined space

4.

Work involving application of heat, or the potential generation of any source of ignition,
where any explosive or flammable substance is liable to be present

5.

Maintenance or repair work on any pressure vessel or lifting equipment

6.

Work on any process, plant, vessel or machinery that is liable to produce or give off to any
corrosive, toxic or flammable substance

7.

Work in compressed air environment or under water

8.

Pressurised testing of any pressure vessel or pipes

9.

Spray painting

10.

Dismantling of any pipe or equipment containing steam or substances that are flammable,
toxic or corrosive

11.

Any repair or maintenance work carried out on a pressurised hydraulic system

12.

Radiography work

Safety Training
Safety training is important in providing staff with
the knowledge and skills to work in a safe manner.
A programme to identify the safety training needs
for each level of staff is useful for making training
plans.
Safety

training

for

supervisors

is

particularly

important as they have a role to ensure that their

staff work in a safe manner.

18

Safety training can be incorporated into the operational training of the staff. Such training can
be carried out on-the-job, by trained supervisors, or by external trainers. Training records
should be kept and training materials reviewed.

When should safety training be conducted?

During orientation period for new employees

When new equipment or processes are introduced

When staff are transferred to another department

Periodically for existing staff

Group Meetings

Group meetings should be conducted regularly to

discuss safety and health issues and disseminate
safety and health information to staff, including
contractors. Employers should provide adequate
facilities for such meetings. All staff should be
encouraged to participate.
Daily briefs and de-briefs (toolbox meeting) can
serve as effective channels for conveying safety
and health messages.
Workplaces with 50 or more workers should form safety committees with representation from
management and employees. Details on the establishment of safety committees and its
function can be found in the Factories (Safety Committees) Regulations.
Employers should encourage their employees to form Safety Improvement Teams. This will
provide them with a channel to contribute ideas and solutions to make their workplace a safer
and more productive one.

Accident, Incident And Disease Investigation And Analysis

Every accident, incident or disease occurring at the work place should be investigated in
order to identify the root causes and prevent similar occurrences in the future.

19

A system should be established for reporting and investigation of any work-related accident,
incident or disease. Lessons learnt from the investigations should be communicated to
relevant staff.
Accident statistics should be collected and analysed to identify problem areas and trends.
There are legal requirements for the notification of work-related accidents and occupational
diseases to the Ministry of Manpower

Some examples of occupational diseases requiring notification

Industrial dermatitis

Noise induced deafness

Repetitive strain disorders of the upper limb

Occupational asthma

In-House Safety Rules And Regulations

A set of written safety rules and regulations
should be established for compliance by staff
and contractors. These also serve as a
reminder

of

their

safety

and

health

obligations and responsibilities. Key legal

requirements can be incorporated into these
rules and regulations.
More specific or detailed safety rules and
regulations can be developed by each
department.

Useful references for setting up safety rules & regulations

National OSH legislation and guidelines

Relevant Singapore Standards & Codes of Practice (SPRING Singapore)

Overseas guidelines

20

Safety Promotion

Employers should establish promotional programmes to create safety and health awareness,
and build a strong safety culture at the workplace.

Examples of Promotional Activities

Safety & Health Talks and Seminars

Safety & Health Campaigns

Safety & Health Exhibitions

Newsletters

Posters & Pamphlets

Evaluation, Selection And Control Of Contractors

It is not uncommon for some hotels to engage contractors for certain jobs in their premises.
Hotel management should establish a system to evaluate, select and control contractors.
Such a system allows hotel managment to assess contractors based on their safety policy
and procedures, safety performance records, safety training and competency records, before
any work is awarded.

Safety Inspection

It is important to establish an effective programme to carry out periodic inspections to identify

potential hazards, unsafe acts and conditions in the workplace, as well as to monitor any
changes in the work process. Please refer to the sample inspection checklist provided. Such
inspections should involve both the management and the employees. The findings from such
inspections should be recorded and analyzed. Recommendations and follow-up actions
should be properly documented.

Maintenance Programme

An effective maintenance programme should be established for all equipment (eg lifting
equipment and pressure vessels), machinery and tools used. This will help prevent accidents
resulting from the failure of such equipment and machinery.

21

Some equipment that require

mandatory inspections

Steam Boilers

Air Receivers

Steam Receivers

Overhead Cranes

Lifting Platforms

Mobile Cranes

The programme should include the establishment of a complete list of machinery and
equipment used within the hotel premises, inspection and maintenance schedules and
records. There should also be a system for staff to report any defective or damaged tool or
equipment in the course of their work.
Many hotels use steam boilers and air receivers. Hotel management must ensure that the
mandatory inspections of these equipment are carried out by authorised boiler inspectors
once every 12 months for steam boilers and once every 24 months for air receivers,

Occupational Health Programmes

Occupational health programmes targeted at specific hazards should be established. Each

programme should specify the objectives, person-in-charge and component activities and
their frequencies.

Examples of Occupational Health

programmes

Hearing conservation programme

Management of hazardous substances

programme

Ergonomics programme

22

 Emergency Preparedness
The establishment and effective implementation of
an emergency response plan is crucial in saving
lives and mitigating losses should an emergency
situation arise.
An Emergency Response Team should also be
established, with the duties and responsibilities of
each member clearly defined.
Management should ensure that all staff are familiar
with the plan and procedures in the event of an
emergency. Regular drills and exercises should
therefore be conducted. An evaluation of the drill
performance should be carried out and lessons
learnt used for improving the plan.

Examples of an
emergency situation:

What should be included in an Emergency

Response Plan?

Fire

Procedures for the raising of alarm

Failure/ collapse of
structure

Procedures for the evacuation and rescue of victims

Provision of the means of rescue and first aid

Provision of a means of communication with the

Harmful gas leakage

relevant government authorities and response

agencies.

Documentation and Review

There should be a system for the documentation and regular review of the programme. This
is to facilitate retrieval of relevant documents and to ensure that the programmes remain
relevant and effective. All revisions to the safety and health manual should be dated and
endorsed by authorised personnel. Recommendations that result from such reviews should
be considered and implemented wherever possible.

23

Resources
Sample Inspection Checklist
The sample inspection checklist can be used when conducting your regular safety inspections.
Go over every aspect of your workplace to identify possible hazards, unsafe acts and conditions
in the workplace, as well as to monitor any changes in the work process.
The checklist can be adapted to the particular needs of the hotel. For specific departments, you
can use the departmental checklist that follows after the general checklist.

Floors and Walkways

Are aisles clear of materials or equipment?
Are main aisles at least 1.12 m wide?
Are doorways clear of materials or equipment?
Are carpets or tiles in good condition, free of tripping hazard?
Are floors clean and free of oil or grease?
Are floors kept dry?

Stairs and Ladders

Are ladders safe and in good condition?
Are stairwells clear of materials and equipment?
Are stairs and handrails in good condition?
Are ladders and stairs provided with anti-slip means?
Are stairwells adequately lighted?

Electrical Safety
Are electrical wires in good condition?
Is there clear access to electrical panels?
Are proper plugs used?
Are plugs, sockets, and switches in good condition?
Are portable power tools and electrical equipment in good condition?

Fire Safety
Are fire extinguishers clearly marked?
Are fire extinguishers properly installed on walls?
Have fire extinguishers been inspected within the last year?
Are workers trained to use fire extinguishers?
Are flammable liquids properly stored?
Are smoke and fire alarms in place and properly maintained?
Are emergency lights in working condition?
Have sprinkler systems been inspected?
Are emergency exits clear of materials or equipment?
Are emergency exit signs working?
Are emergency lighting units provided?

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

No

No

24

Equipment and Machinery

Are equipment and machinery maintained in good condition?
Is machinery securely guarded?
Are operators properly trained?
Are switches clearly marked and easy to reach?
Do you have a lockout procedure in place?
Is there enough work space?
Are noise levels controlled?

Chemicals
Are Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) provided for all chemicals?
Are workers trained in the hazards and preventive measures?
Are relevant personal protective equipment provided?
Are containers clearly labelled?
Are chemicals properly stored?
Are hazardous materials disposed of properly?
Are there procedures for chemical spills?

First Aid
Is the first aid kit accessible and clearly labelled?
Is the first aid kit adequate and complete?
Are emergency numbers displayed?
Are there trained first aiders?

Personal Protective Equipment

Do workers know where to find personal protective equipment?

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Eye/face protection
Footwear
Gloves
Protective clothing
Aprons
Respirators

Specific Departmental Inspection Checklist

Concierge
Front desk
Housekeeping
Food and Beverage
Kitchen
Laundry
Engineering

25

References
Local references
Ministry of Manpower
Occupational Safety and Health Division
-

A Guide to the Factories Act (2001)

Pamphlet on How to Report Accidents to the Ministry of Manpower

Pamphlet on How to Obtain Approval for the Use or Fabrication of a Pressure Vessel

Safety Circular on Lock-out Procedures (2000)

Safety Circular on Safe Work Procedures (2000)

Hearing Conservation Programme Guidelines (2002)

Guide for Noise Control in the Music Entertainment Industry

Guidelines for Industrial Noise and Vibration Control (1999)

Guidelines on Prevention & Control of Chemical Hazard (2002)

Guidelines on Solvent Management in Dry Cleaning (2000)

Guidelines on Office Ergonomics (2001)

Guidelines on Risk Assessment for Occupational Exposure to Harmful Chemicals

(2002)

Your Guide to First Aid Facilities in Factories (1996)

Pamphlet on how to report occupational diseases

Guide to Workmens Compensation Act (2001)

Singapore Standards, Productivity and Innovation Board (SPRING)

(http://eshop.spring.gov.sg/cgi-bin/singaporestandards.pl)
-

CP92: 2002 Code of Practice for Manual Handling

CP76: 1999 Code of Practice for Selection, Use, Care and Maintenance of Hearing
Protection

CP 74:1998 Code of Practice for Selection, Use and Maintenance of Respiratory

Protective Devices

26

Overseas References
Workers Compensation Board of British Columbia
Health and Safety for Hospitality Small Business (2002)
http://tourism.healthandsafetycentre.org/tourism/Hosp_SmBiz/booklet/hosp_smbiz.pdf
Preventing Injuries to Hotel and Restaurant Workers: Focus Report (1998)
http://www.worksafebc.com/Publications/reports/focus_reports/assets/pdf/focushotel.pdf
Ergonomic Tips for the Hospitality Industry
http://tourism.healthandsafetycentre.org/s/WCBInitiatives.asp?ReportID=29179
Health and Safety Authority, Ireland
-

Health and Safety at Work: an information pack for Hotel, Catering and Restaurants
Part 1 and 2
http://www.hsa.ie/pub/publications/hotel.htm
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
Hotel Housekeeping
http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/occup_workplace/hotel_housekeeping.html
Hotel Laundry
http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/occup_workplace/laundry.html
CAW Canada (Union)
Health & Safety Manual for Hospitality Workers
http://www.caw.ca/whatwedo/health%26safety/pdf/manual.pdf

27

Acknowledgements
Contributors
Ministry of Manpower
Occupational Safety and Health Division
Mr Tan Kia Tang, Deputy Director (Hygiene)
Dr Lee Hock Siang, Specialist Medical Adviser
Mr Yoong Chi Meng, Industrial Hygiene Engineer
Mr Michael Chia, Manager

Mr Go Heng Huat, Senior Assistant Director

Ms Jane Lee, Engineer
Singapore Association of Occupational Therapists
Mr Patrick Ker, Principal Occupational Therapist, Singapore General Hospital
Singapore Physiotherapy Association
Mr William Yeo, Principal Physiotherapist, Singapore General Hospital
Singapore Hotel Association
Ms Margaret Heng, Divisional Director (Membership Services & Productivity)
Back Society of Singapore
Represented by Dr Lee Hock Siang, Mr Patrick Ker and Mr William Yeo
We would like to thank the following organisations for their assistance and constructive
feedback:
Food, Drinks and Allied Workers Union
Hotel Intercontinental Singapore
Meritus Negara Singapore
Pan Pacific Hotel Singapore
Raffles The Plaza and Swissotel The Stamford Singapore
Singapore National Employers Federation
Swissotel Merchant Court Singapore
The City Bayview Hotel
The Fullerton Singapore

28

APPENDICES

Bellman load, unload and carry luggage.

This can cause strain and injury to the back, shoulders and hands if
the loads or frequency is excessive or if incorrect lifting methods are
used.
Proper equipment and training in the proper lifting and carrying
methods should be provided to prevent back strain and injury.
Keep your back straight with
knees bent when lifting
luggage from trunk of car

Lifting luggage from the trunk of a car

Plan your lift

If it is too heavy, get a colleague to help

Get close to the load. Pull bags from the back of the
trunk close to you

Face the trunk squarely with both feet firmly on the

ground

Bend your knees not the back

Get another colleague to

help with heavy luggage

General luggage handling

Use ramps rather than stairs

Use a trolley for heavy luggage or when

carrying over long distance

Ramps allow luggage trolleys to be used for transporting

heavy luggage

Push rather than pull trolleys

Ensure trolleys are properly maintained

eg tyres are fully inflated and wheels
aligned

Wear proper shoes

Front desk staff spend many hours standing to serve

customers at the reception counter. They work with visual
display units, answer phone calls and handle payment. This
may involve repetitive work, awkward postures and prolonged
standing.
Excessive bending of the neck and back during writing,
keyboard work or using the calculator when the height of the
desk is too low can cause neck and back aches. The monitor
height may be also too low for the standing position and there

Avoid awkward back posture

may also be glare problems if not positioned properly.

Prolonged standing with high heel shoes may contribute to aches and pain in the legs and feet
and the back.
Sprains and strains can be prevented by proper workstation design and placement of equipment
and adopting proper work postures.

Place monitor at appropriate angle and

height

Inappropriate monitor angle and height

may cause glare

Use desk counters of appropriate height to minimise back bending during writing or
data entry

Use anti-fatigue mats or thick carpets to cushion impact of prolonged standing

Place monitors at suitable height and angle to minimise neck bending and glare

Use shoes with lower heel heights

Take short breaks

Do not cradle the phone between

the neck and shoulder

Use shoes with lower heel heights

Do not cradle the phone

Room attendants are subject to strains from repeated lifting,

pushing, bending, reaching and wiping when making beds,
cleaning bathrooms, vacuuming rugs, wiping furniture and
pushing carts.
Manual

lifting,

awkward

postures,

repetitive

forceful

movements can cause strains and injuries to the back,

shoulder, arm and hand.

Avoid bending your back

Room attendants should be given appropriate equipment

and training in proper work methods and postures to reduce
the risk of strains and injuries. Working correctly can prevent
strains and injuries.

Making beds

Bend your knees, not your back

Kneel and do one side of the bed each time

Avoid bending back when changing pillow covers or

duvet covers

Bend your knees, not your back

Vacuuming carpets

Use vacuum cleaners which

are light-weight and easy to
use

Avoid bending the back by

kneeling
when
vacuuming
under furniture

Cleaning furniture

Use a long handed tool or stand on

a step-ladder to reach high furniture
or lighting

Kneel when cleaning low furniture

Avoid excessive bending of the

back during vacuuming
Kneel to clean low furniture

Housekeeping carts

Carts should not be overloaded, stable and easy to move and not obstruct vision

Push rather than pull carts

When pushing a cart, place your hands just below shoulder level on the cart handle

Ensure carts are maintained in good working condition. Wheels should be aligned and
turn smoothly.

Report any faulty carts to your supervisor

Push rather than pull carts

Avoid excessive bending of the back to

clean the bath tub

Cleaning bathrooms

Kneel to clean the floors to avoid

excessive back bending

Kneel next to the bath tub to avoid

excessive back bending and arm
reaching when cleaning the tub

Use tools with long handles for hard

to reach areas

Kneel next to the bath tub to

avoid bending the back

Waiters and banquet servers routinely carry trays of dishes or glasses, bend and reach to clear,
wipe, set tables and serve customers at tables. Banquet staff carry heavy tables, chairs and other
equipment in the setting up of a function room.
Heavy repetitive lifting and awkward postures can put a lot of strain on the back, neck, shoulder,
arms and hands.
Training in proper manual lifting, use of suitable equipment such as trolleys and proper work
practices are important in preventing injuries and strains.

Carrying large trays

Unbalanced posture puts strain on the back, neck and shoulder

Balance the load and keep the

tray dry and clean

Carry most of the load over the

shoulder

Use both hands to support and

balance the tray

Use tray carrying carts where

possible

Carry fewer plates at a time

Carrying small trays of drinks

Carry tray close to body using both

the arm and hand for support

Carry a loaded tray with your shoulder, arm and

hand in a neutral position

Carry the tray as close to your body as possible

Balance the tray on both your arm and hand

Balance the load and place heavy items close

to the centre

Serving drinks or food

When pouring, move the glass or cups as close to you

as possible to avoid over-reaching

Keep the shoulder, elbow and wrist in neutral posture

wherever possible

Move around the table to serve guests

Keep glass or cups close to you to

avoid over-reaching when serving
drinks

Carrying tables and chairs

Use trolleys wherever possible

Ensure a good grip when carrying

Carry close to the body

Avoid bending or twisting the back

Restrict number of chairs stacked together

Have two or more people to carry heavy or bulky

items

Have two or more people to carry heavy or bulky

items

Use trolley to move heavy objects

Avoid back bending posture and restrict

the number of chairs carried

Chefs and other kitchen staff are involved in food transfer,

preparation (cutting, mixing, grinding, arranging) and cooking or
baking.
Stewards work in the kitchen area to clean utensils, plates and
trays.
The work involves awkward postures, prolonged standing, manual
handling and repetitive hand motions. These can give rise to
sprains and injuries involving the hands, shoulders, back and neck.
Avoid bending your back

Store heavier and more frequently used items

on mid-level shelves

Get another helper to lift heavy items

Handling and transferring food

Good workplace design with counters

and trolleys of the same height

Use trolleys wherever possible for heavy items

Provide tables, counters and trolleys of the same

height to enable items to be slid across

Use two persons for lifting heavy items

Store heavier and more frequently used items on midlevel shelves

Avoid awkward back posture

Use a cake stand
excessive bending

to

reduce

Food preparation and cooking

Use a work surface that is waist level for forceful tasks (e.g. chopping)

Use a work surface that is elbow height for finely detailed work (e.g. creaming
cakes)

Stand close and use the front of the work surface to avoid over-reach

Avoid twisting back

Use automated equipment to reduce forceful and repetitive work

Position frequently used ingredients close to your work area

and at a convenient height

Select utensils designed to reduce awkward postures and

force (eg good grip)

Use the compartments in the oven that are between the waist
and shoulder level

Use automated equipment eg food processors

Avoid awkward shoulder posture

Dish washing

Stand close to work surface

Avoid twisting or bending back

Hold the rinse nozzle at mid-body height to

reduce reach

Use a platform to reduce depth of deep sink

to reduce bending

Avoid excessive back bending

Use flexible rinse nozzle to reduce reach

The operations in a hotel laundry include sorting, washing,

drying, folding of linens as well as washing, drying and
ironing of uniforms and guests laundry.
The handling of the laundry requires considerable force
and some tasks may repetitive and involve awkward
postures and prolonged standing.
This can be stressful on the hands, wrists, back, shoulders
Pulling washed laundry manually from the
washer may increase stress to the upper
limbs and back

and lower limbs.

Proper work design and automation of certain processes

and training in proper work methods and postures can
help to reduce the risk of strains and injuries. Job rotation
and scheduled rest breaks are also important measures.

Mechanical tilting of the washing

machine reduces stretching and force
to retrieve laundry

Sorting and Washing

Reduce amount of manual handling of laundry

through design of work flow or automation eg
washing machines which can be tilted for
loading or unloading of laundry

Use bins with a self-elevating base to reduce bending

to retrieve laundry from the bottom of the bins

Use lighter bins with wheels designed for hard

floors to reduce pulling and pushing forces

Using bins with self-elevating base to

reduce bending of the back when
retrieving laundry

Get colleague to help if the loads are heavy

Maintain the bins regularly with particular

attention to the wheels

Reduce the distance between operation

and the dryer and use anti fatigue mats

Drying and Folding

Repetitive work and awkward postures are the main risk factors

Reduce awkward body postures such as reaching above shoulder level or bending the back while
feeding the dryer

Reduce the distance that separates the worker from the dryer to reduce reaching forward

Provide a foot bar to allow the worker to switch the weight of the body from one foot to the other

Use anti-fatigue matting and provide shoes with good insoles to reduce discomfort due to prolonged
standing

Ironing and Packing

The main risks are prolonged standing and awkward

postures

Reduce awkward body postures such as neck bending

downwards and reaching to hang ironed clothes

Practice job rotation or vary job tasks during the shift

Redesign the hanger to be at a lower position (i.e. shoulder

Reduce reaching to hang clothes

level) to reduce excessive reaching and working overhead

Take regular breaks and perform stretching exercises

Provide anti-fatigue mats and shoes with good insoles

Reduce neck bending during ironing

Concierge
Protection against sprains and strains
Are all bell-men trained in proper lifting and carrying methods?
Are ramps provided at the hotel entrance?
Are trolleys used to transport heavy luggage?
Are trolleys in good working condition and properly maintained?
Is additional help available for lifting heavy luggage?
Are luggage properly stored to minimise sprains and strains during handling?

Yes

No

Protection against injuries from accidents

Are aisles and passageways clear of materials or equipment?
Are carpets or tiles in good condition, free of tripping hazards?
Are floors clean, dry and non-slippery?
Are doorways and passageways wide enough for movement of trolleys?

Yes

No

Front Desk
Protection against sprains and strains
Are the counter work surfaces at suitable height for keyboard and writing work?
Are the computer monitor screens placed at suitable height for viewing?
Are equipment placed within easy reach?
Are the monitor screens free from glare?
Is the lighting sufficient?
Are all staff trained in good ergonomic practices and working postures?

Yes

Protection against injuries from accidents

Are aisles and floor clear of materials or equipment?
Are carpets or tiles in good condition, free of tripping hazards?
Are floors clean, dry and non-slippery?
Are all electrical equipment properly grounded and in good condition?

Yes

No

No

Housekeeping
Protection against injuries from accidents
Are staff trained in the safe use of tools and equipment?
Is there adequate work space?
Is there sufficient lighting?
Are carpets or tiles in good condition, free of tripping hazards?
Are measures taken to prevent tripping over electrical cords and other objects?
Are all electrical equipment properly grounded and in good condition?
Are measures taken to prevent slips and falls in the bathroom?
Are housekeeping carts stable and designed not to obstruct the vision?

Yes

No

Protection against sprains and strains

Are staff trained in good ergonomic work methods and postures?
Are the housekeeping carts easy to push and move?
Are the housekeeping carts maintained in good condition?
Are proper equipment provided for cleaning the room and bathroom?

Yes

No

Protection against chemical hazards

Are all cleaning chemicals properly labelled?
Are protective gloves provided and used?
Are chemicals properly stored?
Are staff trained in proper handling of chemicals?
Are staff aware of the risk of dermatitis and the preventive measures?
Are material safety data sheets available for all chemicals used?

Yes

No

Food and Beverage

Protection against injuries from accidents
Are aisles and doorways clear of materials or equipment?
Are carpets or tiles in good condition, free of tripping hazards?
Are floors clean, dry and non-slippery?
Are all electrical units properly grounded and in good condition?
Is there adequate lighting?
Are ladders used safely?
Are the steps to the stage or platform in safe condition?
Are the platforms secure to prevent separation?
Are proper shoes provided to protect against injury?
Are precautions taken to protect against scalds and burns?

Yes

No

Protection against strains and sprains

Are all staff trained in proper methods of lifting, carrying and serving?
Are carts and trolleys available for moving heavy items?
Are carts and trolleys maintained in good working condition?
Is additional help available for lifting heavy items?
Is there sufficient staff for the task?

Yes

No

Kitchen
Protection against injuries from accidents
Are all staff properly trained in the safe use of tools and equipment?
Is there adequate work space?
Is machinery securely guarded?
Are proper tools and equipment provided?
Is kitchen equipment in good working order and properly maintained?
Are knives and other sharp tools properly stored?
Are the walkways and work areas free from obstruction and tripping hazards?
Are the floors dry or made of non-slippery material?
Are measures in place to prevent electrocution?
Are measures in place to prevent burns and scalds?
Are proper safety shoes provided and used to protect feet from injuries?

Yes

No

Protection against sprains and stains

Are the working surfaces of suitable height for the work?
Are staff trained in ergonomic work methods and postures?
Are supplies and materials stored properly on shelves?
Does your storage layout minimise lifting problems?
Are trolleys available to move heavy items?

Yes

No

Protection against heat and cold

Is the ventilation sufficient to protect staff from excessive heat?
Are staff protected from excessive cold when entering cold storage rooms?

Yes

No

Protection against dermatitis and chemical hazards

Are suitable gloves provided and used when handling food?
Are suitable gloves provided and used when washing dishes?
Are staff aware of the risk of dermatitis and the preventive measures?
Are detergents and other cleaning agents stored in a safe place?
Are material safety data sheets available for all chemicals used?
Are staff trained in the proper handling of chemicals?

Yes

No

Laundry
Protection against injuries from accidents
Are staff trained in the safe use of machinery and equipment?
Is there adequate work space?
Is machinery securely guarded?
Are proper tools and equipment provided?
Is the laundry equipment in good working order and properly maintained?
Are measures taken to protect from knocking against overhead structures?
Are the walkways and work areas free from obstruction and tripping hazards?
Are the floors dry or made of non-slippery material?
Are measures in place to prevent electrocution?
Are measures in place to prevent burns and scalds?
Are proper safety shoes provided and used to protect feet from injuries?
Are measures in place to prevent fire and explosion risk?

Protection against sprains and strains

Are measures in place to reduce excessive back or neck bending?
Are measures in place to reduce work with arms above shoulder height?
Are measures in place to reduce use of excessive force?
Are work surfaces of suitable height for the work?
Are staff trained in proper manual handling methods and work postures?
Are there opportunities for job rotation?
Are sufficient rest breaks provided?

Protection against heat and noise

Are staff protected from excessive heat?
Are staff protected from excessive or irritating noise?

Protection against chemical hazards

Are measures in place to prevent excessive chemical exposure?
Are Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) provided for all chemicals?
Are workers trained in the proper handling of chemicals?
Are relevant personal protective equipment provided?
Are containers clearly labelled?
Are chemicals properly stored?
Are there adequate facilities and procedures to deal with chemical spills and splashes?
Is the dry cleaning machine regularly maintained?
Do staff involved in dry cleaning undergo regular medical examinations?

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Engineering
Protection against injuries from accidents
Are staff trained in the safe use of machinery and equipment?
Is there adequate work space?
Is machinery securely guarded?
Are proper tools and equipment provided?
Are the equipment and tools in good working order and properly maintained?
Are measures taken to protect from knocking against overhead structures?
Are the walkways and work areas free from obstruction and tripping hazards?
Are the floors dry or made of non-slippery material?
Are measures in place to prevent electrocution?
Are measures in place to prevent burns and scalds?
Are proper personal protective equipment provided?
Are measures in place to prevent fire and explosion risk?
Are all compressed gas cylinders secured by a chain or strap?
Are all motors kept clean and adequately ventilated to reduce overheating?
Are ladders used safely?
Is the lighting adequate?
Are there safe work procedures developed?

Yes

No

Protection against sprains and strains

Are measures provided to reduce vibration from the use of powered hand tools?
Are staff able to adopt safe work postures?
Are work surfaces of suitable height for the work?
Are staff trained in proper manual handling methods and work postures?
Are trolleys provided for moving heavy equipment?

Yes

No

Protection against chemical hazards

Are measures in place to prevent excessive chemical exposure?
Are Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) provided for all chemicals?
Are staff trained in the proper handling of chemicals?
Are the relevant personal protective equipment provided?
Are containers clearly labelled?
Are chemicals properly stored?
Are there facilities and procedures to deal with chemical spills and splashes?
Are suitable eye protectors, gloves and respirators provided and used during work activities
such as welding, painting or sawing?
Is adequate ventilation provided?

Yes

No

Yes

No

Protection against heat and noise

Are staff protected from excessive heat?
Are staff protected from excessive or irritating noise?