Bill would require fitted sheets at hotels to protect housekeepers

[The Straight Story]

Bill would require fitted sheets at hotels to protect housekeepers

Business owners and others who have long complained that companies are overburdened by state regulations say a proposal now moving through the Legislature shows that lawmakers have lost all touch with reality: It would require that hotels use fitted sheets.

"We are now going to make it a crime in California not to use a fitted sheet? Really?" state Sen. Sam Blakeslee (R-San Luis Obispo) asked during a debate before the Senate passed the measure in June.

The bill, one of nearly 900 awaiting final action in the Legislature when it returns Monday from a monthlong recess, is intended to address back injuries sustained by hotel housekeepers. But it has revived a long-simmering debate over whether California has become a hyper-regulated "nanny state."

In 2007, the Legislature was subject to national ridicule when it considered a bill to outlaw spanking of young children. Embarrassed lawmakers eventually shelved that proposal, but businesses have decried the Legislature's subsequent ban on trans fats in restaurant cooking, requirement that calorie counts appear on menus, and prohibition on dairies docking cows' tails.

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-bed-sheets-20110814,0,7063975.story

[FarCenter]

1. The part of the bill requiring lifting equipment for hospitals makes more sense

I don't see much difference between fitted and flat sheets. Maybe they should require that mattresses be lighter. They could pass a law that limits pillows to 3 to a bed.

[DCKit]

2. As the S.O. is an ex hotel houskeeper...

I can tell you that it's a hell of a lot more strenuous to make a bed (properly) with two flat sheets. There's almost no area of the body that isn't strained in the process of making the bottom sheet tight.

This is a good thing.

[bengalherder]

3. I'm for it.

Ever sleep in a cheap hotel that won't spring for fitted sheets? That damn sheet is stuck to your back and up your asscrack by morning, often exposing you to a mattress of questionable cleanliness.

If it's less dangerous to their working lives for maids to use fitted sheets, by Gods I'm all for it.

[justabob]

4. I can't believe they don't use fitted sheets already

and that this has to legislated. Flat sheets on the bottom seems very old fashioned... but what do I know?

[Kalidurga]

5. This is a no brainer

go for the fitted sheets.

[sammytko]

6. Its probably easier to just grab a sheet and go

don't have to sort fitted from flat and easier to fold also.

[sammytko]

7. and replacing fitted sheet because of loose elastic, while singly not expensive

little things like that add up and eat into the bottom line...

[Dappleganger]

8. With my mess of a back, even with fitted sheets dh has to make the bed.

I can't imagine repeating that same task over and over each day, using two flat sheets on those thick and heavy mattresses.

[kick-ass-bob]

9. can't they just wear a back brace?

:shrug: