Although the employer has little control over engineering controls implemented by hotels, it can ensure controls are in place at selected hotels before workers book their stay. To help ensure worker safety and security while at hotels, employers may wish to:
- Review and understand alarm systems and other security devices, panic buttons, hand-held alarms or noise devices, and phone connectivity where risk is apparent or may be anticipated.
- Permit stays only at hotels with additional security such as metal detectors, closed-circuit recording on a 24-hour basis, or security personnel onsite especially in high-risk areas.
- Confirm parking lots have mirrors, cameras, and effective lighting especially in concealed areas.
- Mandate locks for vehicles, hotel doors, and other access to workers or their belongings.
Employers can also implement administrative controls such as:
- Assessing any plans for new construction or physical changes to hotel facilities prior to booking hotel stays.
- Requiring a buddy system for travel whereby workers go out in pairs to meetings, meals, and other activities.
- Providing workers with training on potential violence while on work travel.
- Establishing liaisons with local police by reporting incidents of violence or potential violence.
- Requiring workers to report any violence or threats of violence to their supervisor or manager so proper hotel safety assessments can be performed.
- Providing management support during emergencies while on work travel to respond promptly to all concerns.
- Developing or improving a written, comprehensive workplace violence prevention program that is regularly communicated with traveling workers.
