2017, VOL. 3 ISSUE 3, PART B
Abstract:Background: The house keeping department plays a vital role in attracting and keeping the guest as it maintains top quality decor and service in the hotel. Housekeeping is the department which determines to a large extent whether guests are happy during stay. A hotel service position, a houseman (or housekeeping) employee performs all the behindâ€theâ€scenes maintenance to ensure hotel rooms and facilities are clean and functioning properly. Many work and environmental factors can affect the health of professional cleaners (Housekeeper). In many of the work environments where housekeepers are found the conditions that promote various occupational diseases (e.g., musculoskeletal disorders) are readily manageable.
Main objectives: *to explore the socio-demographic characteristics of housekeepers with musculoskeletal disorders. *to find out different body parts involved with musculoskeletal disorders & the risk associated with such disorders.
Methodology: Total 40 respondents were selected conveniently for this study from the hotels of cities of Gujarat state. Data was collected by using structured interview schedule.
Result: The result of the study shows that 25% participants had work related musculoskeletal disorders. Most of the education level was Higher Secondary (35%). The duration of job experience was found 3-5 years (58%). The result indicates that most discomfort of the body regions were in the lower back (60%), calf muscle & knee joint (30%) and only calf muscle (10%). The most common risk factors were working in same position and carry heavy load.
Conclusion: Work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) represent a significant burden for housekeeping staff. The study represents the strong evidence that WRMDs was common among housekeepers. Correct postural practices, proper design of tools and equipment significantly can prevent WRMDs.