A report on ergonomic and psychosocial conditions in the Canary Islands’ hotel sector highlights that only 12% of hotels have implemented height-adjustable beds, and while the use of motorised cleaning trolleys is on the rise, it remains uncommon. The study, revealed this Wednesday by the Minister for Tourism and Employment, Jessica de León, surveyed 121 hotels spanning three to five stars. Future expansions will include non-hotel accommodations, aiming to integrate findings in the upcoming tourism management law reform.
De León emphasised the need for enhanced occupational risk prevention, particularly in departments burdened with heavy workloads or high accident rates, such as housekeeping and kitchens. Meanwhile, the Director General of Labour, José Ramón Rodríguez, pointed out that 88% of hotels employ staff dedicated to prevention, yet one in three lack essential basic training. He stressed this training as “crucial” for performing their roles effectively.
The study also revealed that housekeeping staff are most frequently assessed for workplace risks, though only a third of hotels have conducted time studies for their tasks, and fewer than half have set a daily room limit. Often, employees do not partake in specific risk assessments, as they are not included in the procedures.
In the psychosocial realm, there is noted progress in risk management, extending to more roles and lower-rated hotels. However, 50% of establishments have yet to conduct a targeted assessment in this regard.
The Director of the Canarian Institute of Occupational Safety (Icasel), Elirerto Galván, observed that organisational preventive measures are increasing, particularly in five-star hotels, yet they remain less prominent than those focused on training and information. Following psychosocial risk assessments, merely 48% of hotels have planned preventive measures, with only 20% having evaluated their effectiveness.
Regarding protocols against violence, those addressing sexual harassment and related issues are most developed. In contrast, protocols for psychological harassment and external violence are lacking, notably in three-star hotels, despite frequent staff interaction with guests.
Lastly, the report notes that 54% of hotels have implemented specific health monitoring protocols through medical examinations, with no notable differences across hotel categories.
