Oakland, CA — California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board have approved regulations 
designed to protect hospitality workers from workplace hazards. These regulations clearly indicate that the citizens of California recognize the dangers housekeepers face every day.
Passed by a 5-0 vote on Jan. 18, the standard seeks to make employers more accountable for preventing dangers on the job. This includes initiating prevention programs, worker training, hazard evacuations, and recordkeeping.
The successful passing of legislation designed to protect hotel workers was a result of ongoing lobbying by the 270,000 UNITE HERE labor organization. The union presented important information that demonstrated that constant lifting, pushing, turning and bending can lead housekeepers to suffer strain, sprain and serious injuries. In some cases, permanent disabilities have resulted from hotel work.
The standard moves to the state’s Office of Administrative Law, which is tasked with ensuring it complies with California’s Administrative Procedures Act.
