Event Safety Stats and Facts

FACTS

Here are six points regarding hazards related to event safety in hotels in the USA or Canada:

  1. Hazardous Chemicals: The extensive use of cleaning and sanitizing agents in hotels, especially heightened by COVID-19 precautions, poses risks of burns, skin irritation, allergic reactions, and respiratory harm to both workers and guests.
  2. Special Events Risks: Hotels hosting events like weddings, corporate meetings, or live music performances face risks of guest injuries or property damage, especially with heavy equipment, pyrotechnics, or alcohol involved. Special events liability insurance is recommended for protection​​.
  3. Natural Disasters: Hotels in areas prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, or floods need effective emergency evacuation plans, reinforcement against such events, and adequate preparation for potential flooding or storm surges to ensure guest and staff safety​​.
  4. Theft and Burglary: Inadequate security measures can lead to theft or burglary in guest rooms, public areas, or employee spaces, highlighting the need for sufficient security personnel, surveillance, secure locks, and well-lit environments​​.
  5. Common Safety Hazards: Slips, trips, and falls are prevalent in the hospitality industry, especially among chefs and waiting staff, due to food spillages, wet floors, and blocked walkways.
  6. Fires: The risk of fire is higher in kitchens due to the use of gas, naked flames, and flammable substances. Ensuring that staff understand fire safety procedures and emergency protocols, along with preventive measures, is vital for preventing and managing fire incidents.

STATS

  • The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that for every 100 full-time workers in hospitality 3.4 are injured or fall ill each year because of a workplace accident. Of those injured or ill, over half require time off work to recover.
  • The hotel industry is a global one, with millions of people staying in hotels every day. Unfortunately, fires can and do happen in hotels, and they can have devastating consequences. According to the Center of Fire Statistics (CFS), there were an estimated 10,700 fires in hotels and motels worldwide in 2022. These fires resulted in 250 civilian deaths, 3,500 civilian injuries, and $1.5 billion in property damage.
  • The event planning market in the US was valued at $3.2 billion in 2022, showing a growth of 4% at the start of the year after a period of decline from 2016 to 2021. This indicates a recovery phase, which likely impacts event safety considerations as well, especially for corporate events and professional social occasions held in hotels​​.
  • A significant portion of marketers (85%) prioritize sponsoring events, highlighting the importance of events in marketing strategies. This emphasis on events could translate into increased attention to event safety to ensure positive experiences for attendees and sponsors​​.
  • The trade show and conference planning segment in the US employed 77,816 workers in 2022, reflecting the scale of the event industry and the potential scope of event safety management within it​​.