Reminder Human Trafficking Awareness-Training

While January is normally National Human Trafficking month, the summer months bring an increase in guests staying at our properties. As part of our ongoing commitment to the safety and well-being of our community, we want to remind everyone about the importance of human trafficking awareness. It is a grave violation of human rights and as members of the hotel industry, it is especially crucial that we stay informed and vigilant. RRI West Management partners with and follows training guidelines as established by Red Roof and ecpat.org.

Quick Reminder of what Human Trafficking is…

Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to exploit people for labor or commercial sex. It is a crime that can affect individuals of any age, gender, or nationality.

How Can You Help?

1. Know The Signs: Educate yourself about the signs human trafficking so you are able to recognize it! Traffickers often take advantage of the privacy accessible through the hospitality industry.
   

• Front Desk GSRs – Look for…
  

• Individuals may be constantly monitored, rarely allowed to interact with staff or others

• Individuals have little to no control over possession of money or ID

• Individuals dress inappropriately for their age or have lower quality clothing compared to others in their party

• Houskeeping & Maintenance GSRs – Look for…
  

• Requests additional housekeeping services but denies hotel staff entry to room

• Presence of multiple computers, cell phones, credit card swipers, etc

• Extended stay with few or no personal possessions

1. Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect someone is a victim of human trafficking, report it immediately to your manager!!! If you see something – SAY SOMETHING!

***REMINDER*** NEW HIRES MUST COMPLETE THE ECPAT HUMAN TRAFFICKING TRAINING AS PART OF THEIR NEW HIRE ONBOARDING TRAINING

The Training Department sends out monthly reports on the status of your employee trainings. The last one sent out was from Cathy Wingler on Monday, July 1st.  If you need it resent to you, please reach out to Cathy or Michelle Ward. It is IMPERATIVE that all employees have completed the required new hire training.

RRI West Management partners with and follows training guidelines as established by Red Roof and ecpat.org. By working together, we can help prevent human trafficking and support those who have been affected by it.

Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illnesses

While summer might bring visions of beach, bbqs, sun and family vacations… it also brings safety concerns like sunburn, heat exhaustion and potential heat stroke for our employees who regularly work outside in the elements.   And we have certainly seen some record temperatures across the country over the past couple of weeks. 

The below is information from the National Safety Council (www.nsc.org) on learning how to avoid heat related illnesses. 

Learn How to Avoid Heat-Related Illnesses

The human body is normally able to regulate its temperature through sweating, until it is exposed to more heat than it can handle. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can escalate rapidly, leading to delirium, organ damage and even death. In 2019, 884 people died and 2,061 were injured in the U.S. from exposure to excessive heat, according to Injury Facts.

People most at risk include:

• Those who work outside

• Infants and young children, especially if left in hot cars

• People 65 and older

• People who are ill, have chronic health conditions or are on certain medications

• People who are overweight

If your job requires you to work outside in hot weather, you and your supervisors can take precautions to minimize the risk of heat-related illnesses. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommends:

• Working shorter shifts until workers have adjusted to the heat

• Staying hydrated and drinking before you get thirsty

• Watch out for co-workers exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke

• Take time to rest and cool down

Knowing the symptoms and proper response to these illnesses can save a life. 

Heat Exhaustion

When the body loses excessive water and salt, usually due to sweating, heat exhaustion can occur. According to the free NSC First Aid Quick Reference app, signs and symptoms include: Pale, ashen or moist skin; Muscle cramps (especially for those working or exercising outdoors in high temperatures); Fatigue, weakness or exhaustion; Headache, dizziness or fainting; Nausea or vomiting; Rapid heart rate. 

Uncontrolled heat exhaustion can evolve into heat stroke, so make sure to treat victims quickly:

1. Move victims to a shaded or air-conditioned area
   

2. Give water or other cool, nonalcoholic beverages

3. Apply wet towels, or have victims take a cool shower

Heat Stroke

Seek medical help immediately if someone is suffering from heat stroke. Signs include: Body temperature above 103 degrees; Skin that is flushed, dry and hot to the touch; sweating has usually stopped; Rapid breathing; Headache, dizziness, confusion or other signs of altered mental status; Irrational or belligerent behavior; Convulsions or unresponsiveness

Immediately take action:

• Call 911

• Move the victim to a cool place

• Remove unnecessary clothing

• Immediately cool the victim, preferably by immersing up to the neck in cold water (with the help of a second rescuer)

• If immersion in cold water is not possible, place the victim in a cold shower or move to a cool area and cover as much of the body as possible with cold, wet towels

• Keep cooling until body temperature drops to 101 degrees

• Monitor the victim's breathing and be ready to give CPR if needed

DO NOT:

• Force the victim to drink liquids

• Apply rubbing alcohol to the skin

• Allow victims to take pain relievers or salt tablets

The best way to avoid a heat-related illness is to limit exposure outdoors during hot days. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• Air conditioning is the best way to cool off

• Drink fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty, and avoid alcohol

• Wear loose, lightweight clothing and a hat

• Replace salt lost from sweating by drinking fruit juice or sports drinks

• Avoid spending time outdoors during the hottest part of the day, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Wear sunscreen; sunburn affects the body's ability to cool itself

• Pace yourself when you run or otherwise exert your body

More information is available here: www.nsc.org.  There are also resources available to you in West Edge.  Just search the term “heat” and a variety of training materials is available to you!  Be safe everyone!

Birthdays & Anniversaries

July Birthdays!  

WISHING THESE AMAZING PEOPLE A GREAT DAY!! 

Zelaya Romero, Karlina P	7/28
Jenkins, Ebony S	7/1
Todesco, Frank A	7/1

July Workiversaries!   

WE ARE SO GLAD YOU’RE CAREER JOURNEY BROUGHT YOU TO RRI WEST!

Jarboe, Karen	7/6	9 years
Lemasters, Sandra J	7/9	17 years
Alayon, Diane	7/13	6 years
Young, Holly A	7/18	8 years
Myers, Josephine	7/21	22 years