People working in the hair and beauty industry are exposed to many hazards and risks on a daily basis.
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA), every business has a responsibility to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers, and that others are not put at risk by the work of the business (for example, customers, visitors, children and young people, or the general public).
First, you must always eliminate the risk where you’re reasonably able to. Where you’re not reasonably able to, then you need to consider what you can do to minimise the risk.
The following are examples of only some of the health and safety risks for people in the hospitality sector. We also provide general guidance on how to manage your work health and safety risks.
Scissors and razors can cause injuries. These need to be used with care to prevent cut and puncture injuries.
How are workers and others harmed?
What can you do?
First you must always eliminate the risk where you’re reasonably able to. Where you’re not reasonably able to, then you need to consider what you can do to minimise the risk.
Here are some examples:
Always ask workers for input on identifying health and safety risks, and when choosing solutions. People are more likely to take responsibility and make good choices if they’ve been involved in the conversation. Workers are the eyes and ears of your business. They could suggest practical, cost-effective solutions.
You need to select the most effective control measures that are proportionate to the risk, and appropriate to your work situation.
Hair dyes and other products need to be used and stored correctly to manage the risk of chemical exposure.
How are workers and others harmed?
People can be harmed by chemicals and other hazardous substances in a number of ways, including:
What can you do?
First you must always eliminate the risk where you’re reasonably able to. Where you’re not reasonably able to, then you need to consider what you can do to minimise the risk.
Here are some examples:
Always ask workers for input on identifying health and safety risks, and when choosing solutions. People are more likely to take responsibility and make good choices if they’ve been involved in the conversation. Workers are the eyes and ears of your business. They could suggest practical, cost-effective solutions.
You need to select the most effective control measures that are proportionate to the risk, and appropriate to your work situation.
Straightening irons and hair dryers can easily cause thermal burns fingers and wrists, and repeated burn trauma over time can lead to scarring.
How are workers and others harmed?
What can you do?
First you must always eliminate the risk where you’re reasonably able to. Where you’re not reasonably able to, then you need to consider what you can do to minimise the risk.
Here are some examples:
Always ask workers for input on identifying health and safety risks, and when choosing solutions. People are more likely to take responsibility and make good choices if they’ve been involved in the conversation. Workers are the eyes and ears of your business. They could suggest practical, cost-effective solutions.
You need to select the most effective control measures that are proportionate to the risk, and appropriate to your work situation.
Standing for long periods can make stylists fatigued, cause back, neck and shoulder pain, and even cause varicose veins.
How are workers and others harmed?
Because stylists spend the bulk of their day standing on hard floors, this can place undue stress on feet, knees and the back. Lower body problems can range from achy joints to varicose veins.
While cutting or drying hair, or bending over while washing a client’s hair, stylists can become prone to strains and other injuries related to posture and repetitive movement.
Poor ergonomics can also contribute to people getting harmed, for example, the incorrect height of work surfaces, inadequate equipment spacing or incorrect chair height.
What can you do?
First you must always eliminate the risk where you’re reasonably able to. Where you’re not reasonably able to, then you need to consider what you can do to minimise the risk.
Here are some examples:
Always ask workers for input on identifying health and safety risks, and when choosing solutions. People are more likely to take responsibility and make good choices if they’ve been involved in the conversation. Workers are the eyes and ears of your business. They could suggest practical, cost-effective solutions.
You need to select the most effective control measures that are proportionate to the risk, and appropriate to your work situation.
Slippery floors from hair clippings or liquid spills, and clutter, poor lighting and uneven surfaces can put stylists and customers at risk of slip, trip or fall injuries.
How are workers and others affected?
When someone falls as a result of a slip or trip, the injury can range from minor (bruises and scrapes) to more serious, including broken bones or head trauma. The severity of the injury will depend on the circumstances.
Examples of how injuries can be caused include:
What can you do?
First you must always eliminate the risk where you’re reasonably able to. Where you’re not reasonably able to, then you need to consider what you can do to minimise the risk. Here are some examples:
Always ask workers for input on identifying health and safety risks, and when choosing solutions. People are more likely to take responsibility and make good choices if they’ve been involved in the conversation. Workers are the eyes and ears of your business. They could suggest practical, cost-effective solutions.
You need to select the most effective control measures that are proportionate to the risk, and appropriate to your work situation.
The main cause of contact dermatitis in hairdressing is constant exposure to the chemicals in hair products, along with frequent wet work like shampooing.
How are workers and others harmed?
There are two types of dermatitis: irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis.
What can you do?
First you must always eliminate the risk where you’re reasonably able to. Where you’re not reasonably able to, then you need to consider what you can do to minimise the risk.
Here are some examples:
Always ask workers for input on identifying health and safety risks, and when choosing solutions. People are more likely to take responsibility and make good choices if they’ve been involved in the conversation. Workers are the eyes and ears of your business. They could suggest practical, cost-effective solutions.
You need to select the most effective control that are proportionate to the risk, and appropriate to your work situation.
Lone workers – particularly those working late night shifts – may be at increased risk of being challenged or even violent behaviour. They can also be at increased risk of injury where some work tasks are more challenging to do unaccompanied.
How are workers harmed?
Lone workers can be at greater risk of threats, verbal or physical violence. This can affect workers physically and mentally, resulting in increased stress levels, decreased emotional wellbeing, reduced coping strategies and lower work performance.
Lone workers may also be in situations where they need to use machinery, manoeuvre equipment, lift heavy loads or use hazardous substances that may be too difficult or dangerous to be carried out by one person.
Employers need to be aware of any additional health and safety risks that could arise from work being done by workers in lone / unaccompanied situations. Workers should be involved when considering the potential risks and control measures that will be put in place to control them
What can you do?
First you must always eliminate the risk where you’re reasonably able to. Where you’re not reasonably able to, then you need to consider what you can do to minimise the risk.
Employers should understand the situations where people work alone and consider some of the following questions:
Always ask workers for input on identifying health and safety risks, and when choosing solutions. People are more likely to take responsibility and make good choices if they’ve been involved in the conversation. Workers are the eyes and ears of your business. They could suggest practical, cost-effective solutions.
You need to select the most effective control measures that are proportionate to the risk, and appropriate to your work situation.