Professional mats: preventing the risk of RSI in the hotel industry
Recognized by the INRS (Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité), musculoskeletal disorders are major health problems that cost the social security system dearly.
More and more employees in all sectors of activity are affected by chronic illnesses, leading to an increase in work-related accidents and sick leave. Such is the case in the hotel industry.
Hotel staff working as cooks, waiters, sommeliers, chambermaids, valets, maintenance technicians and other positions are confronted with physical risks on a daily basis. More than 62 days are lost due to accidents at work, 72 due to commuting accidents and 238 due to RSI.
What can be done about this problem, which affects over 21,000 establishments in France? What can be done to prevent RSI in the hotel industry? Neosol, expert in professional floor coverings, answers your questions and gives you its advice on how to improve working conditions in hotels.
MSD risks in the hotel industry
Before describing the risks that cause chronic illness in the hotel industry, let's look at the definition of RSI. The INRS defines these disorders as diseases affecting soft tissues such as muscles, nerves and tendons. They also affect the whole of the spinal column: the back, neck and shoulders, as well as the blood vessels.
There are 4 main MSD risks in the hospitality industry:
1. Awkward standing postures, repetitive and cumulative movements, and the carrying of heavy loads.
2. Falls due to rushed work (cooks, waiters), wet or slippery floors or stairs .
3. Stress linked to the strict demands of the job and staggered working hours.
4. Chemical risks from cleaning products.
These risks cause stiffness, pain, loss of strength and clumsiness. MSDs don't appear immediately, so it's important to take preventive action to avoid them.
How can MSDs be prevented in the hotel industry?
The identification andassessment of these occupational hazards has led to the introduction of collective and individual preventive measures to ensure the comfort and safety of hotel staff. Here are just a few of them.
- Arrangement and organization of working hours.
This makes it possible to carry out strenuous tasks in teams, such as cleaning rooms, folding bed linen, etc.
- Choice of equipment adapted to each workstation.
Each employee is provided with a range of personal protective equipment.
- Training on the risks associated with the job, and provision of the necessary ergonomic and safety resources.
- Setting up collective equipment to protect staff and customers with professional floor mats.
Professional floor mats: the solution to RSI!
Indeed, the other solution that will help prevent the onset of RSI is floor mats. Much more than a simple floor covering, professional floor mats have been designed to meet specific needs in all types of activity.
NeoSol offers a wide range of mats to improve working conditions. Tested and approved by numerous professionals and occupational health specialists, floor mats are a necessity in the hospitality industry.
The anti-fatigue and safety mats will enable staff working on their feet to maintain good posture and ergonomic comfort. Pain and fatigue associated with static posture are reduced.
Anti-slip, the agri-food mat is used in wet and slippery environments such as kitchens. To avoid falls during stressful mealtimes, non-slip mats should be used in these areas. As well as being resistant to grease and oil, it will enable restaurant staff to work in comfort and safety, while maintaining the hygiene of kitchens and plunge rooms.
Other equipment such as anti-shock mats, anti-vibration mats, gratings and entrance mats are also preventive measures to be implemented in the hotel industry, but not only!
The major advantage of these mats lies in their manufacture and the materials used. That'swhy they comply with strict standards that promote employee health and well-being in the workplace.
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