Health and Safety Trends for Hotels in the Coming Years

Article by Sotiris Milonas, Senior Sustainability & ESG Global Expert

The health and safety trends for hotels in the coming years are heavily influenced by increasing awareness of various risks, regulatory changes, and customer expectations, leading to a more robust and proactive approach to managing health and safety. Below you can find some key trends:

1. Legionella and Water Management Programs

There is a growing emphasis on preventing Legionella in building water systems, driven by the increasing incidence of Legionnaires’ disease globally. The implementation of comprehensive water management programs, such as those suggested by the EU legislation (https://osha.europa.eu/en/legislation/guidelines/european-technical-guidelines-prevention-control-and-investigation-infections-caused-legionella-speciesO? CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/control-legionella/php/guidance/index.html)? and ASHRAE 188 https://www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/bookstore/ansi-ashrae-standard-188-2021-legionellosis-risk-management-for-building-water-systems) ,are becoming standard practice in hotels to mitigate these risks. Programs focus on establishing a team, risk assessment, control measures, and continuous monitoring.

This focus is supported by the EU Drinking Water Directive (Directive (EU) 2020/2184 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A32020L2184 ), which mandates regular monitoring of Legionella in large buildings, such as hotels. Hotels are now required to perform comprehensive risk assessments to manage and control Legionella and other waterborne pathogens. Additionally, EU Health and Safety Directive 89/391/EEC, also known as the "Framework Directive", requires hotels to undertake risk assessments to mitigate biological hazards, ensuring both compliance and enhanced guest safety.

The European Technical Guidelines for the Prevention, Control, and Investigation of Infections Caused by Legionella Species (2021) https://osha.europa.eu/en/legislation/guidelines/european-technical-guidelines-prevention-control-and-investigation-infections-caused-legionella-species ?provides specific instructions on maintaining proper temperatures, minimizing water stagnation, and routinely disinfecting systems, which are critical control measures aimed at reducing Legionella proliferation in water systems.

Finally, national regulations now prioritize legionella management, emphasizing risk assessment and ongoing monitoring.

• Greece: Υ.Α. Δ1(δ)/ΓΠ οικ. 27829/2023 (ΦΕΚ 3525/Β` 25.5.2023), Εγκ. Δ1(δ)/ΓΠ οικ.25008/2024 (ΦΕΚ /-- 1.5.2024)?
• Spain: Royal Decree 487/2022.
• UK: HSE’s ACoP L8 – The Control of Legionella Bacteria in Water Systems
• Dubai: https://www.dm.gov.ae/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/DM-HSD-GU44-LCWS2_Technical-Guidelines-for-Legionella-Control-in-Water-System_V3.pdf?

2. Comprehensive Risk Management and Regular Audits

The ABTA Accommodation Technical Guide stresses a systematic risk management approach involving regular audits, risk assessments, and safety training. Hotels are expected to maintain robust health and safety management systems to meet both local regulations and best practices from the hospitality industry. This trend aligns with ISO 45001 standards, focusing on identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks through consistent management processes. Risks that a hotel should address include the following:?

• Food Safety
• Pool Hygiene?
• Fire safety?
• POSI?
• Gas Facility?
• General safety?
• Childcare facilities?
• Leisure facilities

3. Enhanced Hygiene Protocols, emphasis on food safety

Hygiene and food safety are paramount in the hospitality industry, particularly with the rise of audits focusing on compliance with Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles. Hotels are increasingly adopting hygiene scoring systems to categorize and enhance their practices, demonstrating a proactive approach to food safety management. Food safety plays a vital role in upholding the reputation of establishments and safeguarding the health of their guests. Implementing robust hygiene protocols ensures that food is handled, prepared, and served in a manner that minimizes the risk of contamination and potential foodborne illnesses. Regular audits and inspections help verify compliance with food safety standards and regulations, foster continuous improvement, and maintain public confidence in the hotel's commitment to food safety. By prioritizing hygiene and adhering to HACCP principles, hotels can provide a safe and enjoyable dining experience for their guests, minimizing the risk of food-related incidents and protecting their brand's integrity.

4. Fire Safety and Emergency Preparedness

Technical guidelines place substantial importance on enhancing fire safety measures to safeguard individuals in various facilities. This involves the strategic installation and meticulous maintenance of adequate fire warning systems. These systems encompass smoke detectors, heat sensors, and manual pull stations strategically positioned throughout the premises to promptly detect and raise an alarm in the event of a fire. Additionally, emergency lighting is essential to ensure safe evacuation during power outages or in low visibility conditions. These lights automatically illuminate designated escape routes, providing clear guidance to occupants seeking safety.

Furthermore, the guidelines emphasize the development and regular testing of comprehensive emergency procedures tailored to different types of emergencies. These procedures address various scenarios, such as fire, power failure, and natural disasters, and outline the specific actions required by occupants to mitigate risks and ensure their safety. Regular drills and simulations are crucial in familiarizing occupants with these procedures and fostering a culture of preparedness.

Particular attention is given to the needs of disabled individuals or those with reduced mobility. Evacuation procedures are designed to accommodate their unique circumstances, ensuring that they have equitable access to safe escape routes. This includes providing accessible evacuation chairs or stretchers for those who cannot navigate stairs, as well as designated refuge areas where they can remain until assistance arrives.

To enhance the effectiveness of fire safety measures, regular inspections and maintenance are imperative. Fire extinguishers are strategically placed throughout the premises and undergo regular inspections to ensure they are fully charged and functional. Fire alarm systems are tested frequently to verify their proper operation, and escape routes are regularly cleared of any obstructions to maintain unobstructed passage.

5. Technology Integration in Safety Management

Technological advancements are being integrated into safety management practices, including digital monitoring systems for water quality, digital record-keeping for audits, and IoT-enabled devices for real-time safety alerts and maintenance needs. These technologies help in maintaining compliance with safety standards and ensuring proactive intervention.

Hotels need to use IT solutions for the prevention of risks.?

6. Sustainability and Health Safety Overlap

Sustainability initiatives are increasingly linked to health and safety. There is a focus on sustainable use of chemicals and treatments in water systems, such as Legionella control, and energy-efficient equipment for pools and HVAC systems that also ensure health safety compliance.

Sustainable and safe management practices are now considered integral parts of the hospitality industry’s operational standards. (Eco label products, protections of employees etc) Standards such as Travelife are introducing such standards.

7. Enhanced Guest Experience through Visible Safety Measures

Guests now expect to see visible safety and cleanliness protocols as part of their stay experience. This includes measures such as visible pest control efforts, clean facilities, well-maintained recreational areas, clear information on emergency procedures, signs and information in their rooms like evacuation plans. The emphasis on transparency in safety practices aims to boost customer confidence.

On the other hand the hotel should ensure that all employees are aware of the health and safety procedures with continual training and reminders.?

8. Focus on Recreational Facility Safety

Hotels are placing greater emphasis on maintaining recreational facilities to ensure safety, particularly in swimming pools, water features and sea water.?

The EU Bathing Water Directive (Directive 2006/7/EC) provides the framework for the management of bathing water quality and mandates that hotels controll and inform their guests on the quality of sea water in terms of microbiological standards.?

In addition, EN 15288-2:2008, a European standard, outlines the safety requirements for the operation and maintenance of swimming pools, specifying operational procedures such as lifeguard training, water quality checks, and clear procedures for chemical handling and disinfection. EU Regulation 852/2004 on food hygiene also plays a role by requiring the cleanliness of water in recreational areas where contamination could lead to ingestion by swimmers.

The EU Health and Safety at Work Directive (89/654/EEC) sets the requirements for maintaining a safe environment, including hotel pools and leisure facilities like childcare facilities. This directive mandates that hotels ensure all staff handling hazardous substances, such as pool cleaning chemicals, are properly trained, and that all safety equipment is maintained to the required standard.

9. Training and Competency Building

The focus on staff training and competency is also increasing, with expectations that all staff be adequately trained in health and safety measures relevant to their roles. This includes emergency response, hygiene practices, and handling potentially hazardous situations. Continuous training programs are essential to maintain high standards.

In the coming years, hotels will prioritize proactive risk management, bolster regulatory compliance, integrate advanced technologies, instill guest confidence through visible safety measures, and align with sustainability initiatives. These shifts underscore a comprehensive, preventive approach to health and safety. They mirror international standards like ISO 45001 and EU regulations, reinforcing best practices advocated by industry leaders like ABTA and others.