When a health or safety incident occurs at a hotel, it is not reflected on that outlet but the entire hotel chain, according to Anne Browne, CEO, HSS Dubai.
Speaking at the Hotel News ME inaugural Executive Housekeepers Summit, held in the Conrad hotel in Dubai, Browne gave an expert session, entitled ‘Creating a safe working environment’.
According to Browne, in the event of a heart attack a patient stands a 5% chance of surviving if given timely and professional CPR, but this rises dramatically to 83% if a defibrillator is used properly. “Please, please ensure there is a working defibrillator in your hotel,” she urged.
However, according to Browne, only 5% of the population is trained in first aid. She urged: “Set an example and get yourself first aid trained in basic life skills, before you train your staff.”
She added: “It’s the responsibility of the hotel operators to ensure everything is clean and safe every day. Clients are relying on you that facilities are hygienic and safe. Everyone must take responsibility.
“It is vital to question whether risk assessments are regularly conducted, it is vital to ensure you have documentation in place along with an emergency action plan, and you must determine whether your staff are trained and aware of policy and procedures, and above all, all accidents and incidents must be recorded properly.”
Browne warned that Dubai is now catching up with the US in terms of no win no fee litigation, so hotels can be sued for accidents and incidents. She added: “If your staff are fully trained and an accident occurs you are no longer liable as the hotel, as the employer has failed in his duty.”
Browne also dispelled a common misconception, which often stops people from giving first aid in emergency, about the likelihood of arrest in this region. She assured: “Providing you only do what you have been trained to do, and you do it correctly, you will not be arrested if the patient dies.”
