How Panic Button Laws in Glendale Are Making an Impact

Throughout California, hotel workers' voices are being heard about wanting better safety measures as the hospitality industry has one of the highest rates of sexual assault or harassment in the workplace. One way hotels can prioritize safety is by providing a panic button device to employees who often find themselves working alone. 

Several California cities have approved a form of a 'hotel worker protection ordinance' that provides a hotel panic button to employees. Those cities with effective ordinances are:

• Anaheim
  
• Glendale
• Irvine
• Long Beach
• Los Angeles
• Oakland
• Sacramento
• Santa Monica
• West Hollywood

This article will cover Glendale's comprehensive panic button legislation and how it impacts hotels. For more compliance details for other cities and states in the United States, view our Panic Button Legislation Guide for Hoteliers here.

Overview

California has implemented statewide panic button legislation, known as the Hotel and Casino Employee Safety Act (AB 1761). As of July 2022, Glendale has amended the "Hotel Worker Protection Ordinance," otherwise known as Glendale Municipal Code § 5.120(H). This ordinance defines a hotel as an establishment offering paid lodging in rooms for thirty consecutive days or less.

Outline of Hotel Employer Responsibilities

The City of Glendale amended the “Hotel Worker Protection Ordinance" to further protect hoteliers. Hotels are now required to protect their employees from potentially dangerous and threatening situations by providing them with a personal security device, among other stipulations.

Glendale’s panic button laws require hotels to:

1. All hotels in the City of Glendale, regardless of size, must supply hotel employees who work alone with a panic button or employee safety device (ESD). This applies to employees who work in all areas of the hotel.
2. Hotels must provide employees with the employee safety device at no charge. The device must be able to efficiently and discreetly alert security.
3. The hotel must allow employees to take paid time off to report a serious incident or seek counseling.

What Features Should Your Panic Buttons Have?

With more laws coming into effect to protect hotel staff, more and more panic button devices have popped up on the market. However, it's imperative to choose a device that not only aligns with the unique needs of your hotel but also addresses the needs of your employees. While you research panic button devices, it's critical to find one that has essential features. These features include:

• The panic button needs to be easy to use and employees must be fully trained on how to use the device.
• The device must be comfortable to keep on oneself and must be easy to conceal within employee uniforms.
• The panic button must also have geolocation technology that can locate the employee in an emergency. 
• The device should be able to get the employee in contact with managers, supervisors, and onsite security. The device should contact this group in seconds and without alerting passersby or guests.

Keep Your Team Safe with React Mobile’s Panic Button Devices

Keeping your staff safe and secure is critical and contributes to a healthy work environment. This is especially the case in hotels, where many employees are working alone. However, navigating the City of Glendale’s requirements can be overwhelming. At React Mobile, we understand these challenges, and are here to provide you with a diverse selection of panic button devices designed to cater to your specific needs. Our devices are not only user-friendly but also come equipped with all the features needed to feel safe on the job.

Begin the journey towards a safer work environment by signing up for a free demo today: https://www.reactmobile.com/demo-request.