How can Los Angeles hotels ensure the safety of their employees? Understanding the Panic Button Compliance Requirements
In 2018, the American Hotel & Lodging Association launched the 5-Star Promise initiative, which aimed to improve the safety of hotel employees. One important aspect of this pledge was to provide panic button devices to hotel workers who work alone and might face emergency situations. Since then, more than 50 hotel companies have committed to enhancing their policies and training in response to sexual harassment or assault.
Today, four years later, the use of panic buttons has become widely accepted and adopted in the hotel industry. It has become vital for hotels to take action to ensure the safety of their employees, especially those who work alone. The City of Los Angeles is one such city that has taken significant steps towards ensuring the protection of their hotel employees. Recently, it passed the “Hotel Worker Protection Ordinance,” which outlines the panic button compliance requirements for hotels in the city.
However, this ordinance is not just limited to Los Angeles; there are several other cities and states in the United States that have their own set of compliance requirements for panic buttons in hotels.
How can Los Angeles hotels ensure the safety of their employees? Understanding the Panic Button Compliance Requirements
In 2018, the American Hotel & Lodging Association launched the 5-Star Promise initiative, which aimed to improve the safety of hotel employees. One important aspect of this pledge was to provide panic button devices to hotel workers who work alone and might face emergency situations. Since then, more than 50 hotel companies have committed to enhancing their policies and training in response to sexual harassment or assault.
Today, four years later, the use of panic buttons has become widely accepted and adopted in the hotel industry. It has become vital for hotels to take action to ensure the safety of their employees, especially those who work alone. The City of Los Angeles is one such city that has taken significant steps towards ensuring the protection of their hotel employees. Recently, it passed the “Hotel Worker Protection Ordinance,” which outlines the panic button compliance requirements for hotels in the city.
However, this ordinance is not just limited to Los Angeles; there are several other cities and states in the United States that have their own set of compliance requirements for panic buttons in hotels.
What are the Responsibilities of Hotel Employers According to the Hotel Worker Protection Ordinance in Los Angeles?
The City of Los Angeles Hotel Worker Protection Ordinance aims to ensure the safety and protection of hotel employees in the city. It applies to all hotels, except for those with less than 45 guest rooms, with main employer responsibilities including:
Providing panic button devices to hotel workers assigned to work in guest rooms or restrooms where no other workers are present.
Assigning a dedicated security guard (or supervisor or manager for smaller hotels) to receive alerts from panic button devices and provide immediate assistance when the device is activated.
Placing a sign on the back of the door for each guest room and restroom facility that informs guests about how the hotel employer provides panic buttons to its employees.
Providing annual training to hotel workers on using and maintaining panic button devices, responding to active alerts, and understanding their rights under the ordinance. The training must be provided within 30 days of the ordinance’s effect and within one month of the hotel worker’s hire date. The employer must maintain attendance records, and for hotels with 60 or more guest rooms, provide training in each language spoken as the primary for at least 10% of the hotel workforce.
Limiting the cleaning workload for room attendants based on the square footage of floor space in an eight-hour workday.
Receiving written consent from a hotel worker if they choose to work more than 10 hours in a workday.
Maintaining a three-year record of all room attendant information, compensation, and workload details.
Choosing the Right Panic Button Device for City of Los Angeles Hotels: Requirements and Features
Hotels in the City of Los Angeles must comply with the Hotel Worker Protection Ordinance and provide their employees with panic button devices that meet specific requirements. With so many different types and sizes of hotels in the city, it’s crucial for hoteliers to select a reliable and efficient solution that ensures the safety of their employees.
According to the ordinance, panic button devices must have the following features:
Portability: The device must be easy to carry and operate for hotel workers assigned to work in guest rooms or restrooms where no other workers are present.
Signal Location: The panic button device must be able to signal the location of the hotel worker who activated the device accurately.
Direct Contact: The device must provide direct contact between the hotel worker and hotel security/manager, who will respond to the emergency situation immediately.
It’s important to note that a panic button device is not a whistle, noisemaker, alarm bell, or any other device that does not establish contact between the hotel worker and security personnel. Panic buttons need to be reliable and efficient in providing immediate assistance to hotel employees in emergency situations.
Hoteliers must choose a panic button device that complies with the ordinance and is proven and trusted to provide help fast when someone needs it. By selecting the right panic button device, hotels can ensure the safety and well-being of their employees and create a secure work environment.
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