Engineering Workshop Safety: 6 Critical Control Measures

Hospitality Risk Assessment Guide: Key Areas to Cover

Risk assessments are essential for keeping hospitality businesses safe, compliant, and protecting staff and guests. Here's a quick summary of the key areas to focus on:

• Food Safety: Use HACCP to manage risks, comply with Natasha's Law, and prevent allergen-related issues.
• Fire Safety: Regularly check alarms, extinguishers, and evacuation routes, and conduct staff fire drills.
• Staff Health & Safety: Prevent injuries with safe manual handling, ergonomic practices, and DSE assessments.
• Guest Protection: Install carbon monoxide detectors and maintain gas safety standards.
• Water Safety: Prevent Legionella by monitoring water temperatures and regularly disinfecting systems.
• Mental Health: Support staff with mental health resources, flexible schedules, and training.

Key Action Points:

1. Keep detailed records of safety checks, incidents, and training.
2. Use digital tools for inspections, monitoring, and compliance.
3. Regularly review and update risk assessments to meet legal standards.

Effective risk management not only ensures safety but also builds trust and reputation in the hospitality industry.

Main Risk Assessment Areas

Food Safety Standards

Ensuring food safety is a top priority in the hospitality industry, especially considering that 39% of British consumers report having food allergies or intolerances ^[2]. The enactment of Natasha's Law in October 2021 placed stricter demands on allergen management and food labelling, making compliance more essential than ever.

One effective way to handle food safety is by implementing HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points). This systematic approach helps identify and control food safety risks through steps such as:

• Pinpointing critical control points during food preparation.
• Monitoring food storage and service temperatures.
• Keeping detailed records of safety checks.
• Establishing strong allergen control processes.

The Food Standards Agency underscores the importance of these measures in their mission statement:

"Our fundamental mission is food you can trust. By this, we mean that people can trust that the food they buy and eat is safe and what it says it is, and food is healthier and more sustainable." ^[3]

While food safety is essential, fire safety is another critical area that requires attention.

Fire Safety Requirements

Compliance with fire safety regulations, as outlined in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, involves routine checks and preventative measures. Alarmingly, recent findings reveal that over 75% of thermography surveys identify electrical fire risks, with 25% requiring urgent action ^[5].

Key fire safety components and actions include:

Critical Fire Safety Components	Recommended Action
Emergency Lighting	Conduct regular functionality tests.
Fire Detection Systems	Test alarms weekly.
Evacuation Routes	Keep routes clear of obstructions.
Fire Extinguishers	Inspect monthly.
Staff Training	Schedule regular fire drills.

Maintaining these measures not only ensures compliance but also enhances safety for both staff and guests.

Staff Health and Safety

Protecting staff health and safety is equally important, with workplace ergonomics playing a crucial role. Research shows that improving ergonomics can cut staff turnover by up to 50% ^[6]. Areas to prioritise include:

• Following safe manual handling practices.
• Ensuring equipment is positioned properly to minimise strain.
• Regularly assessing display screen equipment (DSE) to prevent repetitive strain injuries.

Given the higher incident rates in the hospitality sector, these measures are essential to creating a safer and more productive work environment ^[6].

Guest Protection Measures

Guest safety is another area that demands rigorous oversight. Properties equipped with gas appliances or wood burners must install carbon monoxide detectors to comply with UK safety standards ^[4]. These detectors are a simple but effective way to protect guests and meet legal requirements.

Part 1 | Hospitality & Entertainment Industry Hazard Awareness | Health and Safety

Risk Management Steps

In Great Britain, 600,000 non-fatal work-related injuries were reported during 2022-2023 ^[13]. To manage risks effectively, start by documenting all safety precautions and incidents in detail.

Record Keeping

Maintaining thorough records is essential for staying on top of workplace safety. Focus on keeping track of:

• Risk assessments and implemented control measures
• Staff training certifications
• Equipment maintenance logs
• Temperature monitoring records
• Cleaning schedules
• Fire drill documentation
• Accident and incident reports

"Risk management isn't about reacting to incidents; it's about anticipating what could go wrong before it happens." ^[7]

A good documentation system should outline who might be at risk, the current safety measures in place, and any follow-up actions required ^[10]. Regularly review these records to stay compliant with changing regulations.

Digital Safety Tools

Digital tools have made it easier to manage safety records while cutting down on paperwork. These tools allow for quick action and improved oversight. Consider using:

Tool Type	Primary Functions	Key Benefits
Mobile Inspection Apps	Real-time audits, photo documentation	Quick identification of issues
IoT Sensors	Temperature and smoke monitoring	24/7 automated surveillance
Cloud Checklists	Daily safety checks, compliance tracking	Centralised data management
Maintenance Management	Equipment monitoring, supplier control	Preventive maintenance scheduling

"Staff widely adopted the platform due to its simplicity. They appreciate the ease of conducting audits, the ability to track progress in real-time, and the immediate notification of incidents." ^[12]

Accident Reporting

Under RIDDOR 2013, all workplace accidents and incidents must be reported. Follow these steps to ensure proper documentation:

• Record incidents immediately and include detailed descriptions
• Collect photographic or CCTV evidence
• Take corrective actions to prevent recurrence
• Store digital records for later analysis of trends

Food Alert’s Accident & Incident Management Module simplifies this process by enabling mobile reporting, assigning tasks, and identifying patterns ^[9]. Staff should provide comprehensive details covering the who, what, when, where, why, and how of each incident ^[11].

sbb-itb-6c77dc5

Industry-Specific Risks

Hospitality venues face distinctive challenges that demand specialised management approaches. Among these, water safety, gas safety, and staff well-being stand out as key areas of concern.

Water Safety and Legionella

Water-related risks are a major issue in the hospitality industry, with hotels and resorts accounting for 34% of waterborne outbreaks. Shockingly, hot tubs alone are linked to 70% of these incidents ^[15]. To minimise the risk of Legionella outbreaks, it's crucial to establish water management programmes that maintain cold water temperatures below 20°C and hot water above 60°C (ensuring distribution temperatures exceed 50°C) ^[14]. Regular flushing of water outlets and thorough disinfection of spa pools are essential steps. Alarmingly, post-lockdown testing revealed Legionella bacteria in up to 66.67% of water samples, a stark rise compared to the pre-pandemic rate of under 15% ^[16].

Gas Safety Rules

Gas safety is another critical area for hospitality venues. All commercial catering equipment must undergo annual inspections for the CP42 Catering Gas Safety Certificate, carried out by qualified Gas Safe registered engineers ^[18]. Key safety measures include:

• Proper maintenance of gas pipework and appliances.
• Ensuring sufficient ventilation in areas with gas equipment.
• Training staff to handle LPG safely and recognise potential faults.
• Storing LPG cylinders securely, keeping them at least 1 metre from building walls.

The importance of compliance is underscored by incidents like a carbon monoxide leak in a non-hospitality setting, which led to evacuations and fines ^[17].

Staff Mental Health

Mental health challenges are widespread in the hospitality sector. Over 76% of employees report experiencing mental health issues at some point during their careers ^[19]. Stress is a significant factor, with 84% of workers citing job-related stress, 74% facing verbal abuse from customers, and 63% dealing with depression ^[22].

Some leading hospitality brands are addressing these issues head-on. For example, Kimpton Hotels has partnered with Talkspace to offer free online therapy to employees ^[19]. Similarly, Marriott's TakeCare programme includes fitness classes and mental health counselling ^[19].

"Mental illness is not something that precludes people from being successful, from being happy, or from being a complete person. It is one facet of who I am. It is not my entire story."
– Serah Morrissey, Senior Director of Human Resources, InterContinental Hotel MSP Airport ^[20]

In 2023, work-related stress, depression, and anxiety accounted for 17.1 million lost working days across UK industries ^[21]. To combat these challenges, hospitality businesses should focus on mental health training for managers, offer flexible scheduling, and provide access to professional support services.

Summary

Effective risk management requires a sharp focus on the most pressing risk areas. In the UK alone, workplace injuries and illnesses came with a hefty price tag of £20.7 billion in 2021/22 ^[24]. Additionally, 604,000 workers reported non-fatal injuries in 2023/24 ^[24]. These numbers underline the importance of conducting thorough and regular risk assessments to keep workplaces safe and compliant.

Keeping risk assessments up to date is not just about safety; it's also a legal necessity ^[1].

Here’s a breakdown of some key risk categories and the actions they demand:

Risk Category	Critical Considerations	Required Actions
Water Safety	Maintain cold water below 20°C and hot water above 60°C	Regular testing and monitoring
Gas Safety	Adhere to gas safety standards	Inspections by qualified engineers
Staff Wellbeing	Prioritise mental health and overall wellbeing	Provide training and support services
Food Safety	Follow HACCP principles	Conduct regular audits and updates

Bringing in professional consultants can make a significant difference. With over 20,000 risk assessments completed ^[25], these specialists help ensure compliance and safeguard both employees and guests. Their expertise is particularly crucial when considering that 1.7 million people in Great Britain currently suffer from work-related illnesses ^[8].

Risk management is not a one-and-done task - it’s an ongoing process. Regular updates ensure new risks are identified and addressed promptly ^[23].

"Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards." ^[23]

FAQs

What steps should hospitality businesses take to comply with Natasha's Law on allergen labelling?

Understanding Natasha's Law and Its Impact on Hospitality

Under Natasha's Law, hospitality businesses must label all pre-packed foods for direct sale with a complete list of ingredients, clearly highlighting the 14 major allergens. This rule applies to foods that are prepared and packaged on-site for customers to purchase directly.

To meet these requirements, staff need regular training on allergen management to stay informed about best practices and legal obligations. Precise labelling and open communication with customers play a key role in preventing allergic reactions and ensuring a safe dining environment. Failure to comply not only puts customers' health at risk but can also lead to severe legal consequences, making constant attention to these regulations absolutely essential.

What are the key steps for managing fire safety in the hospitality industry?

Effective fire safety management in hospitality settings revolves around a few key practices to protect both guests and staff. Begin by developing a detailed fire safety plan specifically designed for your property. Pair this with regular fire risk assessments to identify and address any potential hazards.

Make sure to install and maintain dependable fire detection and suppression systems, like alarms and sprinklers. Fire safety equipment should always be easy to access, regularly inspected, and in working order. Staff training is equally important - ensure your team knows the fire safety protocols, emergency procedures, and how to use firefighting equipment. Routine fire drills are a must to keep everyone prepared.

Additionally, keep all emergency exits and escape routes clearly marked and free of obstructions at all times. Adhering to local fire safety regulations isn’t just about compliance; it’s about creating a secure environment for everyone on the premises.

How can hospitality businesses support their staff's mental health and reduce workplace stress?

Hospitality businesses can take meaningful steps to support their staff's mental health and ease workplace stress. One effective approach is providing access to mental health resources, such as counselling services or employee assistance programmes. These resources offer employees a safe space to seek help and feel supported.

Another crucial step is training managers to identify signs of stress or mental health struggles. With this knowledge, they can step in early and provide the right support when it's needed most.

Promoting a healthy work-life balance is equally important. Offering flexible schedules, ensuring employees have enough rest days, and managing workloads fairly can go a long way in preventing burnout. Creating an open and supportive culture where team members feel comfortable discussing their well-being can also make a big impact.

By focusing on these strategies, businesses can build a workplace where employees feel valued, healthier, and more motivated to thrive.