Hospitality Operations and Risk Management at Seaview Lodge

Assignment Brief

Hospitality Operations and Risk Management

BABH9602 

Instructions for Assignment:

1. Choose a local hospitality or tourism provider that is willing to cooperate with you.  Identify the person who gave you permission and acted as your guide.  Interview that person as to any risk management practices currently implemented at that property.
2. If you choose a large property such as a full-service hotel or resort, choose one section of it instead of the whole property.
3. Complete the Premises Survey of Hazards at your chosen property.
4. Detail your findings in a written report not to exceed ten pages double-spaced.  Attach your completed survey form as an appendix to your report.

Report Requirements:

1. Start your report with an overall assessment of the risk management processes, or the lack of them, at your property.  Do they inspect their property in a formal manner now?  If so, explain the process.  If not, why not?
2. How well does your property manage loss prevention?  Support your opinion with a comparison to good risk management practices as discussed in class.
3. Identify at least three best practices that you observe in your site visit. Then identify at least three hazards that you observed during your inspection.  Recommend remedial action for each deficiency. 
4. End your report with three main recommendations that could improve your property’s current risk management practices.
5. This is a business report and it should be structured as one.  Use headings and sub-headings to identify key sections and highlight key findings.  Photographs are encouraged, with the permission of the property being surveyed, and should be in the appendix section.

Sample Answer

Overall Assessment of Risk Management Processes

Seaview Lodge demonstrates a moderate approach to risk management, although there is room for improvement. Currently, the hotel does not conduct fully formal inspections but relies on routine staff checks and manager walkthroughs. Emma Clarke explained that daily inspections focus primarily on visible safety hazards such as wet floors, damaged furnishings, or potential fire risks. While this reactive approach helps address immediate dangers, it lacks a structured, documented system, which could leave the property vulnerable to unmonitored risks or liability issues.

The lodge’s loss prevention strategies include CCTV coverage in public areas, secure access to guest rooms, and staff training on handling minor security incidents. While these measures are beneficial, they do not fully align with best practices in risk management, such as formal hazard assessments, systematic reporting, or periodic audits by a designated risk officer.

Best Practices Observed

During the site visit, three exemplary practices were observed. First, all guest areas are equipped with fire extinguishers, clearly marked exits, and emergency lighting, demonstrating compliance with fire safety regulations. Second, staff members were trained to respond to guest emergencies, including first aid certification and evacuation procedures. Third, the kitchen implements strict hygiene and food safety protocols, with temperature checks and daily logs to prevent contamination. These measures reflect strong attention to guest safety and operational standards.

Identified Hazards and Remedial Actions

Despite the strengths, several hazards were observed during the inspection. One significant concern was the uneven flooring near the lobby entrance, which poses a trip risk. The recommended remedial action is to repair or level the flooring and install non-slip mats to minimise accidents. A second hazard was the lack of clear signage for restricted areas such as storage rooms and maintenance zones. Implementing visible warning signs and controlled access would reduce the risk of unauthorised entry or injury. Third, several electrical cords in the staff areas were loosely arranged, creating potential fire and tripping hazards. Securing these cords and ensuring regular inspections would mitigate these risks effectively.

Recommendations for Improvement

To enhance the property’s overall risk management, three key recommendations are proposed. First, Seaview Lodge should implement a formal, documented risk assessment schedule, including periodic inspections and detailed reporting. This approach ensures all areas are consistently monitored and provides evidence of due diligence. Second, staff training should be extended to include proactive risk identification and reporting, empowering employees to recognise potential hazards before they escalate. Third, the lodge should integrate a digital tracking system for maintenance, hazard logs, and incident reporting, which allows for trend analysis and quick corrective action.

Continued...