21 Ergonomics in Housekeeping

Learning Objectives
After reading this chapter, you should be able to
understand the meaning and significance of ergonomics at workplace
discuss the significance of ergonomics in housekeeping operations
comprehend the risk factor analysis; work simplification and application of ergonomics in
housekeeping operations

INTRODUCTION
veryone does some of the work that housekeepers in hotels do. Thus, it is usual
to assume that the work of a hotel
housekeeper is no more risky than performing
Athese tasks at home. However, contrary to popular perception, housekeeping is a
physically demanding and a very tiring job. According to time and motion studies, a guest
room attendant (GRA) changes his/her body position every three seconds while
cleaning
a guestroom. Assuming that the average cleaning time for each room is 25 minutes, it may
be estimated that a GRA assumes 8000 different body postures in every eight-hour shift.
Apart from the routine guestroom cleaning, which involves making beds, lifting heavy
mattresses, changing bed and bathroom linen, cleaning bathrooms, replacing toiletries,
etc., GRAs also load cleaning supplies, fresh linen, amenities, etc. on to heavy carts and
push them across thickly carpeted floors of hotel corridors. This work profile makes
housekeeping an extremely demanding job physically, leading not only to fatigue but a
high incidence of musculo-skeletal disorders (MSDs) and musculo-skeletal injuries (MMSIs)
 Ergonomics in Housekeeping 549

among hotel housekeepers. In fact, study in USA covering about 87 hotels

a he
average rate of
injury among housekeepers nearly double than that of Tou
Several more studies have found a vast non-housekeepers.
majority of housekeepers suffering irom
related physical pain, as a result of the strenuous work that they are subjected to. This
is a cause oi growing concern among the employers, as well as employees, who nna

hard to cope with the

pressures of their job.
What is heartening, however, is that most of these disorders and injuries arising Out
of strenuous, mechanical, and energy sapping work can be mitigated or reduced to a
great extent by applying the principles of ergonomics. Ergonomics prevents these types
of injuries by fitting the job to the person using and work
proper equipment practices.
This results in the satest way to work and prevents workplace injuries. Today, more and
more hotel organizations are adopting the principles of ergonomics in order to improve
for employees and
working conditions finding that it makes good economic sense
are
too. Take care of the employees and they will take care of our guests, J.W. Marriot,
the founder of Marriott International hotel chain is reported to have said. Ergonomics
also plays a significant role in achieving the goals of lean thinking in a hotel property by
reducing costs and improving productivity through eliminating waste (e.g., unnecessary
motions) and reducing mistakes (improving quality). In this chapter we will learn what

ergonomics is, and how the application of its principles can make the task ofa hotel
housekeeper a lot easier and simpler one at that.

ERGONOMICS
is derived from two Greek words, 'ergon', meaning work, and
The term 'ergonomics'
nomoi', meaning study of how working conditions,
natural laws. Ergonomics is the
can be arTanged in an order
that people can work with
equipment, and information human capabilities and limitations
them safely and more efficiently. Ergonomists study and evaluation of tasks.
work demands.
contribute to the
They design
in relationship to
compatible with the
in order to make them
products, environments, and systems
jobs, furniture,
limitations of people. Improperly designed equipment,
needs, abilities, and strain and fatigue in workers. Such strains
can cause physical
or physical procedures musculo-skeletal disorders
disabilities, referred to as
can lead to long-term physical
of MSDs, also caled Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSIs), is v e r v
(MSDs). The prevalence a r e of time. Two
to certain tasks for long periods
people who exposed MSDs and RSIs. Accordina
high among to contribute to
elements staticwork and force are known s t a u c to the musculo-skeletal
A. Sweeny, work relersone. For
to American ergonomist, Holly when
example,
certain position, a comlortable
even
torso upright requires either small
effort required to hold a
o u r h e a d and
computers, keeping positione we
we sit and work at
depending upon
the
eticiency of the body
generate. For example tiles
static work
or great a m o u n t s of muscles
amount tension
of our
choose. 'Force' refers
to the
from a neutral, verucal
position quadruples the e amount
backward increase of fo
This increase is due to the increase
rce 1s
your forward or
head forward olowereneck
k vertebrae. This
vertebrae. ot torce
in Ited
position (S
tilte
eeny 2005)
head a
o n your your
torce acting
O to support arecaused byu
in mu
nuscular
tension
necessary
to prevent
injuries that
helps
ergonomic design
toper
550 Hotel Housekeeping: Operations and Management

awkward
Many of the occupational risk factors, especially the physical ones (high force,
postures, excessive repetition and vibration) can be reduced or eliminated altogether
by applying ergonomic principles (especially proper workplace design and appropriate
use of assistance devices).

Principles of Ergonomics
Over the years, ergonomists have defined postures which minimize unnecessary static
work and reduce the forces acting on the body by applying the following ergonomic
principles (Sweeny 2005):
All work activities should permit the worker to adopt several different, but equally
healthy and safe postures.
Where muscular force has to be exerted, it should be done by the largest
appropriate muscle groups available.
Work activities should be performed with the joints at about mid-point of their

range of movement. This applies particularly to the head, trunk, and upper limbs.
These can be achieved by adopting the following practices.
Avoiding prolonged static postures
Promoting use of neutral joint postures
.Locating work, parts, tools, and controls at optimal anthropometric locations
Providing adjustable work surfaces and tool sizes
Providing comfortable seating, arm rest, back rest, and foot rest
Utilizing feet and legs, in addition to hands and arms
Using gravity
Conserving momentum in body motions
. Providing strategic location (power zone) for lifing, lowering, and releasing loads
The power zone is the liftüng region that is considered optimal by ergonomists. This
area extends from approximately standing elbow height to standing knuckle height and
e to the body as possible. The power zone optimizes worker strength and durability
with the most comfort, by providing the arms and back with maximum leverage. Very
often, housekeeping activities such as lifting or lowering occur in locations that are out
of the power zone.
ergonomic principles leads work
Apart from safety and efficiency, the use of to
simplification. Work simplification is defined as the use of equipment, ergonomics,
functional planning, and behaviour modification to reduce the physical and psychologi
cal stresses caused by activities at home or work. Reducing the physical demands on

the body during regularly performed tasks acts to preserve the joints, eliminate fatigue,
and reduce the risk of injury or re-injury. Within the workplace simple guidelines can
be used regarding task set-up, equipment design, equipment storage, work techniques
and routines that can assist in reducing the physical strain in the body. The main aim
of work simplification at workplace is to 'work smarter, not harder.

ERGONOMICS IN HOTEL HOUSEKEEPING

The very nature of their duties puts hotel housekeepers in high risk category of MSDs
and RSIs. Hence, the principles of ergonomics can be applied to mitigate the physical
 Ergonomicsin Housekeeping

stress level among the housekeeping employees. We shall study the role of ergono
nomics
under the following heads:
Significance and need of ergonomics in housekeeping
Analysis of risk factors in housekeeping: ergonomical perspective
.Mitigation of risks in housekeeping by applying ergonomic principles

Significance and Need of Ergonomics in Housekeeping

We have seen thus far, the daily duties of hotel housekeepers make them very vulnerable
to contracting physical pains and disorders related to work. A GRA, on an average, cleans
15 or more rooms a day, and does so under the intense time pressure that characterizes
hotel work. Table 21.1 enlists the various tasks that GRAs perform in eachguestroom
In addition to the in-room tasks, they also load cleaning supplies, fresh linen, and ame
of hotel corridors.
nities on to heavy carts and push them across thickly carpeted floors
The way housekeeping work is organized, i.e., 'room quota' system, it also contridutes
the GRAs are
to pain high injury incidents among GRAs. According to this system,
and
the room quota, the
allotted a certain number of rooms to clean each day. The greater
has a 16 room quota, he/she
faster the work needs to be done by an individual. If a GRA
must clean each room in less than 30 minutes. Housekeepers routinely
report that they
race through their tasks in order to complete
them on time. While rushing through lifting
to get hurt.
a heavy nmattress or cleaning a slippery
bathroom floor, GRAs are more likely
clean
static awkward postures are assumed while lifting mattresses,
In addition to postures,
their room quotas,
and vacuuming in every shift. Further, in order to complete
ing tiles,
end skipping meals and breaks that are requisite rest periods.
GRAs, many a time, up under-stocked
more intensified when
clean linen and towels are
Time pressures are even
and increase in number of guest supplies
and supplies are short. Chronic understafing risk of injury.
have placed housekeepers at a great
and time consuming amenities

able 21.1 Tasks performed by GRAs in guestrooms

Bathroom tasks
Bedroom tasks
Pick up soiled towels and place on cart.

emove all room service items from guestroom. .Replace soiled towels.
blankets, or duvets.
strip bed/s of all sheets, and
Clean and disinfect WC bowl
bed, mitre 4 times,
iace bottom sheet on each Wipe down top and side of WC.
tuck in 4-8 times. Restock toilet roll
each bed and tuck
ace top sheet and
in 4-8 times.
blanket on . Wipe vanitory unit.
.Clean and dry tooth glasses.
Spread duvet on each bed. .Clean sink and polish faucets.
Remove 4-8 pillow and stuff pillows
per bed
cases
Replenish toiletries (soaps, shampoos, etc.)
into fresh
pillow cases. Clean mirror.
Dust nightstands and writing desk. Scrub bathtub.
Re stationery and other literature. Clean bath area and walls.
Dust dresser and TV. Clean shower curtain.
Clean TV screen. Empty sanitation bin.
ashtrays.
Empty trash from room waste bin and Dust vents.
ollect, wash, and dry dirty glasses. Mop floor.
Dust vents.
Vacuum all floors.
552 Hotel Housekeeping: Operations and Management

In a landmark 1999 study, researchers at the University of California in San Francisco

conducted a survey of over 200 housekeeping statf and reported that more than
75 per cent of them experienced work-related pain. In 73 per cent cases, pain was
severe enough to necessitate a visit to the doctor. Another study in 2002 surveved
about 1000 housekeeping employees in Las Vegas, and found that 95 per cent of
the staff experienced work-related physical pain. Out of these 47 per cent reported
severe or very severe work-related physical pain. The latter was most often localized at
the lower back (63%), followed by upper back (59%) and neck (43%). A high percentage
(83%) complained of constant time pressures.
In 2005, another survey of 600 housekeepers in several cities across North America.
including Los Angeles, Boston, and Toronto reported that 91 per cent of them suffered
work associated physical pain. Of these, 86 per cent said that their pain started after
joining work as hotel housekeepers. In an analysis based on data from 87 unionized
hotels operated by Hilton, Hyatt, Intercontinental, Marriott, and Starwood over a seven
year period (1999-2005), it was found that the average injury rate of hotel housekeepers
10.4 per cent as compared to
was
non-housekeepers (other departments) whose average
injury rate was 5.6 per cent.
The focus should not be on measuring the number of accidents but on
measuring
the behaviours and potential causes that may lead to accidents. It is here that the
application of ergonomics contributes significantly towards reducing work-related
physical stress, which in turn translates into improved productivity and efficiency
among employees.
Analysis of Risk Factors in Housekeeping: Ergonomic Perspective
Prevention of injury and accidents is easier if action is taken early through effective
analysis of risk factors. An extensive ergonomic risk factor analysis for all housekeeping
tasks needs to be carried out by the executive housekeeper who is responsible for all
the staff working in the housekeeping department. The
ergonomic risk factor analysis
nvolves finding answers to the following questions:
What kind of work do employees do in the housekeeping
department?
What are the risk factors in each of these tasks?
How can these risk factors be reduced ?
There are three major risk factors that lead to MSDs:
Awkward posture This refers to postures beyond neutral. The more the joint angle is
away from the neutral, the more awkward the posture. Such postures increase the stress

mgaments and joints. This can lead to fatigue and discomfort, and increase the risk of
injury. Making beds, cleaning carpets, floors, and bathrooms is hard on the shoulders,
back, and knees as shown in Figures 21.1(a), 21.4(a), and 21.5(a).
Excessive repetition In this case the muscles used over and over
same are
aga
repetitive work. Repeated forceful movements, especially in awkward postures, increase
the risk of injury.
For example, making beds, changing linen, replenishing toiletries, etc. increase such
risk. Refer to Figures 21.2(a) and Fig. 21.6(a.
 553
Ergonomics in Housekeeping
High force his refers to
placing extra pressure and strain on a particular body Par
High forces come into play while lifting Fig. 21.3(a]; lowering,
and 21.8(a; pushing |Fig. 21.9(a)), or carrying Figures 21./a
ward postures. High forces are also
pulling heavy objects such as carts, especially in avw*
required to hold a posture, especially for long perioas
Muscles produce force to move or hold a posture, thus high forces result in
can injury.

(a) (b)
Fig. 21.1 Making beds is hard on back, knees, and shoulders: (a) awkward
and strenuous posture; (b)
improved and correct posture

(a) (b)

Fig. 21.2 Set-up tasks that avoid twisting of the spine, and bending forwards
while cleaning mirrors: (a) awkward shoulder and risk posture; (b) improved
or right posture

(b)
(a)
Rending forwards with arms stretched for liting puts pressure on spine
Fig. 21.3 (a) wrong posture; (b) improvea posture (Dend knees and hips to take strain)
554 Hotel Housekeeping: Operationsand Management

A
(a) (b)
Fig. 21.4 Scrubbing tiles is hard on back and shoulders: (a) avoid reaching the floor with
bent back; (b) kneel down to reach the tiles

(a) (b)
Fig. 21.5 Dusting carpets is hard on the back and shoulders: (a) do not kneel with back
stretched; (b) improve posture by going down on one knee

(a) (b)
Fig. 21.6 Bending down to reach lower shelves of cupboard: (a) do not bend forwards and
arch your back; (b) improve posture by bending at knees to reach low shelves
 Ergonomics in Housekeeping 555

T(a) (b) (a) (b)

g, 21.7 Keep objects close to body while carrying:
(a) leaning to one side with arm stretched
down on the other is incorrect;
(b) support the object on the hip and use
both hands to carry
Fig. 21.8 Carrying objects below hips strains the
back: (a) incorrect posture; (b) weight
carried on hip shifts to both legs

(b)
(a)
do not push with bent back and outstretched
Fig. 21.9 Moving heavy furniture: (a) on the legs
back straight and arms bent, shifts strain
arms; (b) keeping the

include vibraion, cold stress, lack of rest, non-Occupatio1al

Other potential risk factors
factors (sports, hobbies, home chores, driving, and lack oI
sleep), personal factors(gender
culture and climats
health history, and fitness level), psychological ractors (work Table 1 3 1 l e ,
age, personal problems). 2 lists the
satisfaction, personality traits,
Job attitude and tasKS.
in housekeeping
1Sk factors involved
556 Hotel Housekeeping: Operations and Management
-

Table 21.2 Risk factors in housekeeping tasks

Potential risk factors Comments

1. Awkward posture Awkward refers to postures beyond neutral. The more the joint angle is away from the
neutral, the more awkward the posture. Awkward postures may include reaching, bending,
stooping, crouching, squatting, twisting, and climbing.
2. Joint posture These include postures affecting the joint areas such as the wrist, elbow, shoulder, neck,
back, and knees.
3. Static posture These postures and positions are typically dynamic and not sustained for more than
2 minutes.
4. High force This refers to placing extra pressure and strain on a particular body part; includes lift,
lower, carry, push, pull, pinch or power grip and surface (walking up ramps)
5. Excessive repetition This refers to performing the same movement continually; includes frequency of an action,
duration, and exposure; leading to Repetitive Motion Injuries (RMI).
6. Objects Weight, location, size, shape, handles, and stability.
7. Equipments Design and use.
8. Work area Work surface height, layout, seating, and space.
9. Environment Layout, flooring, temperature (cold stress), noise, vibration, chemicals, light, and glare.
10. Work organization Schedules, workload (lack of rest), and interruptions.

Exhibit 21.1 presents a sample worksheet of ergonomic risk factor analysis for house-
keeping tasks. It is crucial that appropriate controls be put into place in the analysis.
A job safety analysis programme (refer chapter 20) should be coordinated with the
ergonomic risk factor analysis. Both these should then be incorporated into the basic
training programmes of the hotel property.

Mitigation of Risks in Housekeeping by Applying Ergonomic Principles

Housekeeping is a highly challenging task. It can be classified as 'moderatelyheavy
to heavy' work because the energy required is approximately four kilocalories
per minute. There is no escaping the work to be carried out by the housekeepers.
However, housekeepers can modify their tasks and personal habits in conformity
with ergonomic principles to avoid injuries as also reduce their workload. Application
of ergonomics to housekeeping activities can broadly be studied under the
modify
following heads.
Modifying the workplace layout and equipment
Modifying loads lifted/way oflifting
Modifying personal habits
Controlling the work environment
Redesigning work practices

Modifying the workplace layout and equipment

Using proper equipment and work practices results in the safest way to work and pre
vents workplace injuries. Employers must provide user-friendly equipment and establhish
in
safe work practices to reduce the risks of MSI. Employers must also instruct workers
 tasks
risk f a c t o r analysis for housekeeping
Exhibit 21. 1 Sampole ergonomic
Assesssment
Controls
Identification Status
Recommended controls (Samples) Control Person
Frequency/ Observations
Housekeeping Risk responsible*
tasks/Potential factors Duration priority
causes
Allot a group of GRAs to standardize cleaning
Cleaning rooms Awkward posture of rooms and tloors (stress on: minimize twists,
and floors Static posture
using appropriatemuscles, focus on working
High force arc, minimizing stress on hands, and
so on).

Look out for alternate designs in cleaning tools

(such as a toilet brush with a bent handle,
handled
mops with wringer mechanism, long
equipment).
Dry mop in useshould have full swivel (360°)
at base and is statically charged.
Train staff on using neutral postures and
stretching exercises.
Recommend use of appropriate footwear.
Recommend use floor signs to indicate wet areas
Recommend use of half filled buckets.
Cleaning High force
bathrooms/ Awkward posture Recommend tipping the bucket to drain,
utility rooms instead of lifting and draining.
Provide mop buckets with wringer mechanism
and that empty from bottom.
Provide floor-level sinks and drains.
Use of long handled tools will minimize bending.
Use ofangled tools will improve posture.
Making beds .Awkward posture Allot teams to handle bed making for larger
Excessive repetition beds, instead of individual GRAs.
Provide beds with caster wheels.
Provide knee pads.
Moving furnitureHigh force Use of lift assist equipments.
Awkward posture Allot additional manpower.
(Contd)
 and Management
558 Hotel Housekeeping: Operations

A A A

O
 in Housekeeping 559
Ergonomics
these sate work
practices, while workers
should also abide by employers' instrucuons
to protect themselves. The following are some
useful tips in this regard.
.Move the work toa comfortable
over the work,
height avoid unnecessary stress. Avoid benang
to
especially so when making beds, scrubbing floors, etc. Refer to
Figures 21.1(6), 21.4(b), and 21.6(b) for the right
postures for
Maintan a working height at about elbow height (although
these tasks.
it is higher for precision
work and lower when force is
needed).
.Set up work tasks to avoid twisting of
the spine, bending forwards, or reaching
away from the body, especially while cleaning mirrors, lifting, or dusting carpets.
Refer to Figures 21.2(6), 21.3(6), and 21.5(b).
.Store heavier and frequently used items at waist level.
.Keep most-used material within arm's reach.
Move the work or
yourself to avoid reaching.
must reach
If you frequently, check that you reach no more than 30cm to the front
of the body (in a seated position) and no more than 50cm to the front of the body
in a standing position).
.Stand on an appropriate ladder to avoid reaching overhead.
.Use tools or mechanical equipment to reduce the physical force required to

complete tasks, for instance, trolleys.

Lighter vacuum cleaners (preferably the self-propelling type), lighter and servi

carts with wheels designed for carpeted floors ease the workload of their operators

provided equipment is always kept in good repair.

this
above shoulder
infrequently used equipment below mid-thigh height
or
Store
height be unstable.
.Installlocking devices on equipment that may low-resistive wheels.
maintained equipment with large
.Use lightweight, well
equipment that is close to the work
area.
Provide storage a r e a for handling
a
assist themselves
locate attachments and aids so that staff can easily
.Conveniently
if necessary.

of lifting
Modifying loads lifted/way
carts is among the
most injury prone activities in housekeep-
Lifting loads and pushing reduce risk of injury while doing heavy
work.
c a n greatly help
ing. The following tips reduce the impact on the body.
into smaller o n e s to
Break large loads between the waist and
shoulders.
material at a level
Store frequently lifted in Figures 21.7(b) and 21.8(b).
body as showed
to the
Carry heavy objects close loads .Fig. 21.9{b)] and use carts with vertical handles
pull
Always push ratherthan and tha
to reduce strain. should be fully inflated
maintained properly. Tyres of force
carts are
This wIll d e c r e a s e
the amount
Ensure that misaligned.
not be bent or
wheels should
cart.
required to push the
the supervisor.
Report faulty carts to hands instead of one.
both easier to carry the
load.
Lift the load with loads to
make it
on
Alter the handles
560 Hotel Housekeeping: Cperations and Management

.Lift the load using a team litt.

.Remember it is more physically demanding to grip smaller items or large items
with the hand at full stretch.
Vary techniques to use different muscles (e.g, alternate arms when scrubbing
vacuuming, and tucking sheets).
. Pad knees (for example, wear knee pads or use a mat or towel) and change position
often when kneeling
Wear shoes with enough cushioning to relieve the stress on the knees and back
when the work involves standing for long periods.

Modifying personal habits

Housekeepers could significantly reduce their risk of injury by making a habit of the
following ergonomic principles
Always be aware ofyour posture while working.
Stand/sit in neutral posture (shoulders back, chin tucked, head upright, elbows as
close to the body as possible).
Avoid twisting and bending motions that exert a strain on the spine.
Keep alternating tasks.
Change body position frequently to relieve muscle strain.
Avoid using your wrists in a hands bent down (flexed), extended (hands up), or
twisted position for long periods of time. Maintain a neutral (straight) wrist position
when using tools, typing, writing, or
reading.
.Warm up before beginning a repetitive or forceful task. Flexibility exercises
improve circulation and help compensate for work that must be done in awkward
positions.
Avoid sudden, jerky movements which might 'overload' your muscles during an
activity.
Reduce speed and force. Use the minimum required force and slow down when
doing repetitive tasks.
Use the whole hand and all fingers to grip, grasp, orlift.
Alternate arms when carrying something heavy.
Check shoes to make sure they provide comfort, support, and shock absorption.
Wear the rightgear when working in hot, cold, or noisy environnments.

Controlling the work environment

At times, the workplace itself adds to the risk of musculo-skeletal injuries if it is founa
wanting in terms of adequate space, or proper lighting. Some employee-friendly up
on this count include:
Provide plenty of space so that
bending, reaching, and twisting can be elim ted
during tasks (sometimes shifting tasks far enough away that the workers have to
or move their body means they will do the task in a better posture than

they can keep their feet still and twist or reach).

.Provide sufficient lighting so that staff does not have lean towards
view it
to an
objec
or strain the eyes.
 Ergonomics in Housekeeping 561

Consider the size and

type of wheels for trolleys, for
make the instance, larger wio ill
trolley easier to move.
Redesigning work practices
A change in mindset, reallocation of work, and
mind the following redesigning some practices keeping
principles of ergonomics could significantly reduce risk of injury
to housekeepers.
.Rotate distribute the same tasks
or
within the job between different
allow postural change. employees, to
Build stretch breaks into the
work routine especially before and after physicauy
demanding tasks.
.It is advisable to plan one's workload and
do the heavier tasks at the beginning
of the work shift, rather than at the
end, when fatigue is at its maximum. When a
is
person tired, the risk of injuring a muscle is higher.

SUMMARY
Meting the needs of their guests round the clock Nowadays, leading hotel companies are innovating
make hotels challenging places to work. Most hotels and providing resources to help keep employees healthy
ae designed for the comfort of their guests rather and injury-free at the workplace. Ergonomics prevents
than their staff. The quest for perfection and attend- these types of injuries by fitting the job to the person by
ing to each and every need of clients makes the job of using proper equipment and work practices. Ergonomics
the staff, especially the housekeepers, very demand- is the study of how working conditions, machines, and
ng and tiring. In order to attract guests and remain equipment can be arranged in a manner that people can
ompetitive, hotel managements pursue a policy that work with them more efficiently. In applying ergonomic
ewerything should be 'so clean it sparkles'. However, principles, training should be provided to employees who
for the demand for
spotless cleanliness and hygiene, are involved with housekeeping activities. It is impor-
management often requires their cleaning staff to spend tant that housekeeping staff be informed about hazards
the workplace, including the risk of injuries to the
Aura time and effort in cleaning by kneeling, lean- inmusculo-skeletal system. Therefore, identification of the
Squatting, crouching, slouching, and stretching. hazards for such injury at any given hotel is fundamental.
to
postures, over a period of time contribute Further, individual work practices, including lifting habits,
musculo-skeletal injuries and aggravate old ones. should be shaped by proper training. Training should
koutine in-room ctivities of GRAS such as making beds,
encourage employers and workers to adopt methods
gbed sheets and linen, cleaning bathrooms, that reduce fatigue. For example, it is advisable to plan
in addition to ushing heavy carts on carpeted
hotel one's workload and do the heavier tasks at the beginning
place them in high risk category of
Sichrdors,
such disorders of the work shift, than at the end, when fatigue is at its
of maximum. When a person is tired, the risk of injuring
ndustry studies have found a high incidence
the
a muscle is higher. Training should explain the health
USculo-skeletal juries and disorders among hazards of improper lifting and give recommendations
nousekeepi
anical
n staff of hotels as a result of doing
heavy
exces-
on what a worker can do to improve lifting positions.
work in wkward postures and due to It should also emphasize the importance of rest periods
the face of
repetition. The very nature of their job, in
Crnonicunderstaffing
. and makes it very
for the employees' health and explain how active rest
growing cientele, can do more for keeping nealthy than passive
workers hea
housekeepers
prove working conditions forimprovements rest. The effect of such training can reach far beyond
means of better engine
an be
However,
more appropriate equipment
Occupational situations because the employees can apply
made by selecting this knowledge in their off-job activities also.
modifying body postures.
 562 Hotel Housekeeping: Operations and Management
KEY TERMS
Anthropometry The study of human bodymeasurement
Ergonomics The study of how working conditions, ma-
chines, and equipment can be arranged in a man-
ner that people can work with them safely and more
efficiently.
Momentum The quantity of motion of a
moving body.
Musculo-skeletal disorders Afflictions or conditions
ing from injuries to the muscular and skeletal (musculo-
aris
skeletal) systems due to prolonged exposure to activities
involving high force, awkward postures, and excessive
repetition of actions at workplace.
Neutral posture This refers to the resting position of each
joint, i.e., the position in which there is the least tension
or pressure on nerves, tendons, muscles, and bones.
Power zone It is the lifting region in the human body
is considered optimal by ergonomists. This area
CONCEPT REVIEw QUESTIONS
1. Define the terms ergonomics and work simplification.
2. Explain the importance of applying ergonomic
principles in housekeeping.
3. State the ergonomic principles.
4. How can ergonomic principles be applied to
housekeeping?
PROJECT WORK
1. Design a questionnaire for hotel housekeepers to
analyse workplace pain and hazards.
extends from approximately standing elbow
to standing knuckle
height
height and as close to the body
as possible.
Room quota system The standard way in which hotels
organize housekeeping activities for guestrooms. Based
on this system, GRAs are
required to service a certain
number of rooms in a shift. Usually room quota
from 13 to 16 rooms per GRA.
ranges
Static posture A posture that is held for a longtime. A
static posture may result in fatigue and even
injury
over a period of time as a result of 'static force' that
muscles have to generate to maintain such a posture.
Work simplification This is defined as the use of equip-
ment, ergonomics, functional planning, and behaviour
modification to reduce the physical and psychological
stresses on the body of activities at home or work.
5. What points should be kept in mind to lift loads
safely?
6. List the various risk factors in housekeeping tasks.
7. What is ergonomic risk factor analysis?
in
2. Carry out a survey using the above questionnaire
five or more hotel properties and present your analysis.