Occupational Diseases in the Hospitality Sector (Ho.Re.Ca.): The Role of Occupational Health Surveillance in Prevention

Occupational Diseases in the Hospitality Sector (Ho.Re.Ca.): The Role of Occupational Health Surveillance in Prevention

Hotels, restaurants and hospitality facilities are workplaces characterized by intense work pace, repetitive tasks and high exposure to multiple risk factors. During the summer season in particular, the increase in workload makes it even more important to adopt effective prevention measures and Occupational Health Surveillance programs to protect workers' health and ensure the operational continuity of businesses.

What are the main risks in the Ho.Re.Ca. sector?

Hotel and catering activities daily expose workers to manual handling of loads, awkward postures, repetitive movements, extended shifts, work-related stress, and exposure to chemical and biological agents. In addition, there are environmental factors such as noise, microclimate, high temperatures and the use of detergents and cleaning substances. A recent analysis by INAIL showed that more than half of the occupational diseases reported in the sector concern musculoskeletal disorders, followed by spinal conditions and overload-related disorders of the upper limbs, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. The data therefore confirm that this risk is often underestimated, especially in dining room, cleaning and food service support activities.

What does the law require and why integrate Occupational Health Surveillance?

The key reference remains Italian Legislative Decree 81/2008, which requires employers to carry out a thorough assessment of the work environment, identifying all specific risks present in the various job roles and updating the Risk Assessment Document (DVR) when necessary.
Occupational Health Surveillance, in this case as well, is a fundamental corporate welfare tool because it allows for the early identification of potential conditions of vulnerability, monitoring the effects of exposure to risk factors related to load handling, postures and repetitive activities, assessing exposure to chemical, biological and physical agents, and planning targeted prevention interventions. Integrating medical examinations, health monitoring, DVR updates and organizational measures helps reduce the risk of occupational diseases, improve productivity, contain absenteeism and strengthen regulatory compliance.

What can SAPRA Occupational Medicine do?

We support businesses in the Ho.Re.Ca. sector through customized Occupational Health Surveillance programs, assisting with the assessment of specific risks, the definition of health protocols and the updating of the DVR. Occupational Physicians operating throughout the country, well-established processes, authorized clinics and Mobile Medical Units make it possible to guarantee a service compliant with regulations, helping to protect workers' health, prevent occupational diseases and improve the overall effectiveness of the company's safety system.