Hairdresser risks and hazards

Slips or trips are one of the most common types of accident in any workplace, including hairdressing salons.

In a typical salon, it’s easy for cut hair, product spills, loose cords, cables and wet surfaces to result in hazardous floors and walkways. Slips can easily be caused by a floor being cleaned and left wet, or a product or water spilling onto the floor and not being noticed quickly enough, while trips are most commonly caused by loose cords or cables from a hairdryer or vacuum for example.

Top tips for avoiding this risk:

• Make sure everyone knows which parts of the floor are still wet from cleaning. Stick a yellow ‘caution: wet surfaces’ sign over the area
• When cleaning, use the right amount of the right cleaning product
• Ensure spillages are dealt with promptly
• Use a dry mop or squeegee to reduce drying time on surfaces
• Spot clean where possible as you go through the day and always make sure staff and customers are aware of newly cleaned areas
• Keep walkways as clear as possible of trip hazards like cords and cables, and keep communication with employees and staff of any cables in use, for example from a vacuum cleaner

One of the most common hairdressing hazards is skin damage from wet hand work, including dermatitis. Frequent contact with water and cleaning products like shampoo or conditioner can irritate the skin, leading to damage like rashes, blisters or dry, flaky skin.

The Health and Safety Executive suggests that up to 70% of hairdressers suffer from work-related skin damage like dermatitis at some point in their career.

In most cases, these types of hazards are preventable. Small things like using suitable disposable gloves and drying hands thoroughly can reduce the risk of skin damage.

Some quick tips to avoid this risk:

• Provide non-latex disposable gloves to staff, and change gloves between clients
• Provide hand cream to keep hands moisturised
• Staff training on proper hand washing and drying technique
• Check skin regularly for signs of damage

The use of some products in a hairdressing salon, including bleaches, colourings and oxidation hair dye products, can cause an allergic reaction which can result in burning, itching, blistering or swelling where the product has been applied.

Patch testing is an easy way of identifying whether the hair product will cause any sort of allergic reaction or are safe to use on the client. It’s important to do a patch test for any sort of colour treatments such as hair highlights, dyeing, and particularly if any product is coming in contact with the scalp or skin of your client.

How to avoid this risk:

• Do a patch test up to 48 hours before using the product on your client
• To perform a patch test, apply a small amount of the product to the client’s wrist or neck. The area should not be washed for 48 hours to check for a reaction
• Train all staff in the use of dyes and patch testing techniques

In an industry focused on cutting and styling, it’s no surprise that blades and sharp instruments like scissors are a key hazard.

Cuts and grazes as a result of scissors or razors can happen to both staff and clients. And in addition to cuts, stabs and grazes, there’s additional risk from possible blood transmission from one person to another and risk of blood-borne infection.

To keep staff and customers safe:

• Clean all sharp implements with sterilising liquid after each use
• Change the sterilising liquid daily and follow manufacturer’s instructions
• Keep a first-aid box stocked at all times
• Introduce spot checks to make sure blades are being used and stored safely
• Train staff in basic first aid or health and safety

As a hairdresser or barber, you’re on your feet all day. It might sound like a small hazard to your health, but you or your staff could suffer musculoskeletal injuries, for example back pain, neck or shoulder injuries and pain or discomfort in feet and legs, from standing for long periods of time. Another potential risk is inflammation of the veins, which could lead to varicose veins over time.

To help:

• Take regular breaks – try to have a break area with comfortable chairs handy
• Have an option to work while seated if possible. Try adjustable chairs or stools
• Advise staff on the correct footwear. Comfortable shoes with lots of support are best for prolonged periods of standing

Lifting, pushing and pulling is often part and parcel of any type of occupation, from bricklayers to beauticians and from hairdressers to haberdashers. And according to the HSE, 18% of the most common workplace accidents were caused by handling, lifting or carrying in 2020-21.

The most common injuries associated with manual handling are musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), including pain or injury to arms, legs and joints. Back and shoulder strains are very common too, as well as repetitive strain injuries (RSI).

Manual handling injuries can occur almost anywhere in the workplace, but heavy manual labour, awkward postures, repetitive movements of arms, legs and back or previous/existing injury can increase the risk. However, many manual handling type injuries can be caused by smaller tasks like packing, typing, cleaning, or moving supplies.

The best manual handling techniques are:

1. Think before you lift
2. Use a safe lifting position
3. Get a good grip
4. Keep the load close to your waist
5. Don’t lift with your back
6. Avoid twisting
7. Look up
8. Move smoothly
9. Don’t lift more than necessary
10. Put it down, then adjust

For a full rundown of the best manual handling practices, follow AXA’s guide to manual handling here.