title: Effects of a work injury prevention program for housekeeping in the hotel industry.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the effectiveness of a work injury prevention program in the housekeeping department of a hotel. Studies have validated the use of different injury prevention strategies to decrease the incidence of work-related injuries. Few studies, however, have reported the efficacy of an on-site work injury prevention program by a physical therapist.
  
  
  METHODS
  In 1995, implementation of a work injury prevention program by a physical therapist to 50 housekeeping supervisors, 60 house persons and 340 guest room attendants at a large hotel began. This program included a detailed work risk analysis of the work environment, development of job descriptions, identification of injury-related problematic work situations, and implementation of a job specific supervisor-training program. Supervisor, house person and guest room attendant training was also conducted at the end of 1995 and the beginning of 1997.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Data of injury reports in 1995, 1996, and 1997 were analyzed to determine the results of the program. There was a reduction in total injury claims, total medical expenses, total lost work time and total restricted duty time.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results demonstrate the cost effectiveness of implementing a work injury prevention program for housekeeping guest room attendants in the hotel industry.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89154-39029, USA. merrill.landers@ccmail.nevada.edu
authors.forename: Merrill
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Landers
authors.forename: Lynn
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Maguire
mesh_terms: D006796:Household Work; D006801:Humans; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009786:Occupational Health Services; D011314:Preventive Health Services; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012189:Retrospective Studies