Title:
FACTORS AFFECTING WORK SAFETY IN THE HOUSEKEEPING DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET HOTELS IN EMERGING ECONOMIES

Authors:
Gladys Apreh Siaw, Lucy Eryam Agbeneyeke, Grace Efua Owusu Gyasi, Ghana

Abstract:

Purpose- There are various managerial factors used to control work safety among hotel housekeepers. The implementation of such control factors are often associated with great cost but not all such factors are really significant in ensuring a good work safety environment. The study seek to identify work safety predictors among budget hotels in developing countries.
Methodology- An exploratory design was employed for the study using quantitative approach to gathering primary data from 393housekeeper of 61 budget hotels in in the Eastern Region of Ghana. A structured questionnaire were used to solicit data from the respondents. Data gathered was analysed using SPSS. Multiple Regression Analysis was used to test the hypotheses.
Findings- The outcome of the study revealed involvement in hazard analysis, accident investigation, training on hazards, monthly safety meetings and safety data sheet readily access were major hazard control measures affecting work safety at the housekeeping department. The result of the study found that involvement in hazard analysis was the most prevalent control measure that predicts work safety at the housekeeping department. The overall predictive relevance of the model was moderate (38%) in predicting work safety at the housekeeping department among budget hotel in Ghana.
Practical Implications-Budget hotels form a large component of the hotel business especially in the context of developing economies like Ghana. The outcome of this study provides contemporary insight to owners and managers of budget hotels in appreciating the relevance of implementing hazard control measures in reaping superior performance through work safety of their employees.
Originality/value– This study is among the first few attempts to identify work safety predictors among budget hotels in developing countries especially in the Sub-Saharan Africa setting. Though the role of work safety in enhancing performance among firms is documented in developed economies. This study is among the very few attempts to identify work safety and health predictors or factors among budget hotels in developing countries.