Taking the strain for housekeepers

After 18 years of working alongside maintenance and housekeeping teams, industry veteran and founder of Eziflate Ltd, Kim Wright, is launching a solution to one of the hospitality sector’s most persistent physical challenges: the manual handling of heavy beds and furniture.

Eziflate has introduced its flagship heavy-duty inflatable lifting bag, specifically designed to eliminate the physical strain associated with cleaning and maintaining hotel guest rooms.

The launch comes at a critical time for the industry, as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reports that 7.8 million working days were lost to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in 2023/24.

Housekeeping roles consistently rank among the highest for sickness absence according to the ONS, with affected employees averaging 14.3 days off work per year. Repetitive lifting, bending, and awkward postures required to clean beneath beds are leading contributors to these long-term health issues.

“No professional should have to risk their long-term health to carry out essential duties,” says Wright. “Eziflate transforms a high-risk manual task into a manageable, professional process. It is not simply a cleaning tool; it is a fundamental investment in staff wellbeing and workplace safety.” The Eziflate solution is a heavy-duty inflatable bag engineered from marine-grade material, capable of supporting up to 400 kg.

Designed for ease of use, the device requires only 20mm of ground clearance and inflates in just 12 seconds using a portable electric pump. By safely raising one side of a bed or sofa bed, Eziflate allows housekeeping professionals clear access for vacuuming and linen changes without the need for manual lifting. This innovation reduces strain on the back and joints and saves labour time in rooms.

Eziflate has joined the UK Housekeepers Association (UKHA) to underscore the company’s mission to support housekeeping professionals across the country.